Delhi-NCR Air Pollution: Air quality plunges into 'severe' category, AQI at 431

Delhi-NCR Pollution: After a grim Thursday, NCR residents woke up to smog-filled surroundings even on Friday as AQI continued to show alarming numbers.

Image Credit: ANI; Representational Image

The air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the 'severe' category on Friday (November 4) morning as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city jumped to 472. Noida, which is part of the national capital region, recorded an AQI of 562, and continued to remain in the `severe` category, while Gurgaon's AQI stood at 539 and continued to remain in the `severe`, as per data released by SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) India. Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe. Some schools in the capital are holding online classes while others have cut down on physical activities and have asked students to wear N-95 masks. Primary schools will be shut in capital from tomorrow. In Noida and Greater Noida, schools have stopped physical classes till Class 8, and the administrations are mulling over future course of action.

04 November 2022

18:11 PM

Footage of air pollution: ITO bridge

Here's the footage of the air pollution. In the footage it can be clearly seen that the air quality is severe. 

#WATCH दिल्ली: राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के कई हिस्सों में वायु गुणवत्ता 'गंभीर' श्रेणी में पहुंच गई है। वीडियो आईटीओ ब्रिज से है। pic.twitter.com/OlxLjBm5S7

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) November 4, 2022

18:08 PM

Air pollution in Delhi-NCR: Human Rights Commission summons Chief Secretaries states 

Human Rights Commission have summons Chief Secretaries of 4 states on Nov 10 as reported by the ANI

17:56 PM

Air pollution visual from Akshardham Temple

A thick layer of smog envelops Delhi and neighbouring areas amid worsening #AirPollution. Air quality in 'Severe' category. 

#WATCH | A thick layer of smog envelops Delhi and neighbouring areas amid worsening #AirPollution. Air quality in 'Severe' category.

Visuals from Akshardham temple. pic.twitter.com/INtD3qIba9

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2022

17:51 PM

Smog shrouds Delhi & NCR

A thick layer of smog shrouds Delhi amid a worsening level of air pollution in the capital and its adjoining areas. AQI continues to be in the 'Severe' category.

17:42 PM

AQI plunges into 'Severe' category

Delhi continues to reel under worsening #AirPollution as AQI plunges into 'Severe' category with an overall AQI of 431. reported by ANI

17:22 PM

'Stubble burning not political issue' Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar

As air pollution rises, agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday said stubble burning is not a "political issue", while expressing concern over rising such incidents in neighbouring states of Delhi despite funding and machines provided by the Centre. Tomar appealed to four state governments -- Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi -- to take steps to control it, making use of available solutions i.E. Pusa decomposer, a bio-decomposer technique that converts stubble into compost much faster than usual.

15:23 PM

Delhi air pollution: Kejriwal seeks Centre's help

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal accompanied by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, said that the centre government can not lag behind and should lead measures to curb smog in the NCR. The condition is very severe in Delhi, Charkhi Dadri, Jind, Manesar, Faridabad and all othe places. AAP is not responsible for that. The air of a state does not remain in that state only. The Centre should take steps in this regard, they added.

15:08 PM

Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon air pollution: Dos and don'ts 

Dr Arunesh Kumar, HOD- Pulmonology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram shares some tips to tackle NCR smog:

- Do not leave your home without wearing N95 masks. 
- Also, only leave your place if it is absolutely necessary to go out.
- Invest in air-purifying plants. Investing in some air purifying plants such as aloe vera, ivy and spider plants that can be placed in the home and at your office desk.
- Stay hydrated: It is very important that you stay well hydrated when the air quality is poor. Ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day or other healthy drinks like coconut water and fresh lime. One can also consume vegetable and fruit juices.
- Follow a diet that is rich in antioxidants, protein and green vegetables is vital as it helps in providing protection to your body from the harmful effects caused by air pollutants
- Don't smoke and don't allow anyone to smoke indoors 

(Inputs from ANI)

14:49 PM

Air Pollution in Delhi: Curbs to be set in place

Special task forces to be set up to curb air pollution at hotspots in Delhi, Environment minister Gopal Rai said. He added, "Revenue commissioners to prepare a plan for staggered timings for markets and offices."

14:12 PM

Delhi air pollution: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Vs Delhi LG

The Delhi LG has accused the Punjab CM of indulging in a blame game and "trying to shirk responsibilities"."It is indeed baffling that instead of addressing the grave issue at hand, certain elements are indulging in unjustifiable blame game and excuses and trying to shirk responsibilities, even in the face of a serious crisis situation," he wrote. Responding to the LG's letter, the Punjab CM accused him of playing politics by writing the letter. "LG Sahib, you are stopping the works of the elected government of Delhi. Stopped the "Red Light On, Car Off" campaign and are doing politics by writing to me? Politics is not right on such a serious subject," Mann tweeted.

LG साहिब, आप दिल्ली की चुनी हुई सरकार के कामों को रोक रहे हो। “रेड लाइट ऑन, गाड़ी ऑफ” कैंपेन को रोक दिया और मुझे चिट्ठी लिखकर राजनीति कर रहे हो? इतने गंभीर विषय पर राजनीति ठीक नहीं।

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) November 4, 2022

13:58 PM

Punjab has seen an increase in stubble burning, while Haryana has seen a significant decline: Haryana Agriculture minister on Delhi air pollution

Haryana Agriculture Minister JP Dalal said that due to state government's "efforts, cases of stubble burning have reduced significantly. There were 2,377 incidents of stubble burning in Haryana till yesterday (November 3), which is 28% less than last year. Punjab reported 24,146 incidents this year, an increase of 20%." He added, "We are giving machines, incentives to the farmers and making them understand (the problem). We will give MSP on Parali and a committee has been formed for this. We are also giving Rs 7,000 per acre to farmers for sowing crops other than paddy."

13:39 PM

'We burn stubble as there is no other option': Farmers on air pollution in Delhi

According to ANI reports, a Patwari, who went to inspect a report of stubble burning in Faridkot's Jeewan Wala village was taken hostage by a group of farmers. "SDM promised that machines will be provided but nothing has been done. We burn stubble as there is no other option," says a farmer.

13:35 PM

Air pollution impact: Delhi govt employees to WFH

Thanks to the capital's alarming AQI, 50% of Delhi government employees will be working from home, Minister Gopal Rai said.  An advisory is likely to be released for private offices as well.

13:20 PM

Delhi's alarming AQI affects indoor air too

When the AQI level is so bad outdoors, indoor air also turns "very poor". Doctors suggest using air purifiers. Indoor plants can also help to some extend.

13:16 PM

Delhi-NCR: Air pollution a silent killer

As the pollution level in Delhi-NCR worsens, doctors ask people to stay put indoors. "Children, elderly, and those whose lungs & hearts are weak, should not go to such places where there is pollution. If you want to go, go during the day when there is sunlight and wear a mask. We can call air pollution a silent killer," Dr Randeep Guleria, Former AIIMS director, was quoted by ANI.

12:14 PM

Delhi Air pollution: Delhi LG writes to Bhagwant Mann

Delhi LG VK Saxena writes to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on stubble burning and pollution: "Request you to undertake urgent and substantive measures to control Parali (stubble) burning in Punjab, that has converted the national capital once again into a gas chamber."

Delhi LG VK Saxena writes to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on stubble burning and pollution

"Request you to undertake urgent and substantive measures to control Parali (stubble) burning in Punjab, that has converted the national capital once again into a gas chamber," writes Delhi LG pic.twitter.com/apb8wP7cYl

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2022

11:48 AM

NCR's toxic air ALARMS National Human Rights Commission 

National Human Rights Commission said that it's alarmed over the increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Dissatisfied with the steps taken by the authorities, it has asked the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to be present before it on 10th November.

11:41 AM

Delhi's alarming AQI: Delhi CM Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann address issue

Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP colleague and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann attended a joint press conference addressing Delhi's rising pollution levels. 

#WATCH | "We will try for crop diversification... we will try to move our farmers from rice to other crops in Punjab," say AAP Chief & Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal & Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in a joint press conference over rising pollution in Delhi pic.twitter.com/MQcWbHwLuN

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2022

11:38 AM

Delhi air pollution: Odd-even scheme to be back?

"We're also mulling whether the odd-even scheme for vehicles should be implemented," CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday, after announcing that primary schools will be shut from Saturday.

11:37 AM

Jyotiraditya Scindia's jibe at Kejriwal as Delhi's AQI remains in severe category

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday took a swipe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his past statements regarding the stubble burning leading to pollution in the national capital. Taking a jibe at the Delhi CM who has been vocal about the stubble burning and was seen blaming the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab (now ruled by AAP) in the past, Scindia shared a compiled video of Kejriwal`s statements that he made in the past on the issue, and said, "Then do it!!! Expert in talks, slow in work."

11:35 AM

Air pollution in Delhi: Primary schools to shut from tomorrow

"We're taking all steps to control the pollution situation. In lieu of that, we're shutting down all primary schools in Delhi from tomorrow... Also shutting down outdoor activities for all classes above class 5," CM Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference.

11:34 AM

Alarming AQI: SC to examine situation in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine on November 10 a plea seeking urgent steps in connection with air pollution in Delhi. A lawyer mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice U.U. Lalit and sought an urgent hearing in the matter. The lawyer pointed out that air pollution in the capital is in the severe category due to an increase in stubble burning. The top court said it agrees that the matter requires intervention and scheduled the plea for hearing on November 10.