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Amitabh Kant Shares Rio Video Amid Delhi’s Pollution Crisis | WATCH

November 19, 2024, 12:55 pm

India’s G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant, gained notoriety after posting a video of the stunning scenery from his Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hotel. “Awesome view from Hotel Nacional where I am staying in Rio for G20 Leaders summit,” wrote Kant on X (previously Twitter), where he is attending the summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sea, beach, mountains, buildings, and the background favelas are all captured.

However, the post triggered backlash from users who contrasted the clear skies in Rio with Delhi’s ongoing air pollution crisis. Many questioned why Kant seemed indifferent to the toxic smog enveloping the National Capital Region (NCR).

Stunning view from Hotel Nacional where I am staying in Rio for G20 Leaders summit . It captures the sea, beach, mountains,skyscrapers and the pavelas in the background. pic.twitter.com/2PBBCEYMYk

— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) November 18, 2024

Users Question Kant’s Priorities

Several X users expressed frustration over the timing of Kant’s post. Retired army officer Pavan Nair asked, “Mr Kant, when did you last see such clear skies in New Delhi? As head of the Planning Commission or whatever you call it now, is it not your duty to take cognisance of the hazardous skies in your city? What are your plans? Do share.”

Mr Kant, when did you last see such clear skies in New Delhi? As head of the Planning Commission or whatever you call it now, is it not your duty to take cognisance of the hazardous skies in your city? What are your plans? Do share. https://t.co/8HYgBHjFTP

— Col Pavan Nair (@pavannair) November 18, 2024

Another user acknowledged Kant’s contributions as a bureaucrat but lamented, “This tweet of yours from beautiful Rio just opened all the floodgates of despair, disappointment, and a sense of being helpless in your home city of Delhi for me today.”

A user went further, urging Kant to focus on addressing Delhi’s environmental challenges. “I rather have you be the ‘Sherpa’ of counter stubble-burning efforts across states, a Sherpa of fresh air for Northern India.”

Congress Kerala and Shashi Tharoor Weigh In

Congress Kerala’s X handle also joined the criticism, pointing out the stark difference in air quality between Rio, with an AQI of 13, and Delhi, where pollution levels have reached hazardous extremes.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor raised a larger question, asking whether Delhi should remain India’s capital given its chronic pollution issues. “Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world… This city is essentially uninhabitable from November to January inclusive and barely livable the rest of the year. Should it even remain the nation’s capital?” Tharoor posted on X.

Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world, 4x Hazardous levels and nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka. It is unconscionable that our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years and does nothing about it. I have run an Air… pic.twitter.com/sLZhfeo722

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 18, 2024

Tharoor highlighted that his Air Quality Round Table, launched in 2015, had seen little progress. He lamented, “Nothing seemed to change, and no one seemed to care.”

Delhi’s Air Crisis: A Recurring Nightmare

Delhi and its surrounding areas, home to over 7 crore residents, face some of the worst air pollution levels globally every winter. This year, the air quality has reached “severe-plus” levels, forcing schools to shift to online classes and authorities to implement strict pollution control measures.

A thick smog, a mix of smoke and fog, has engulfed the region. Experts attribute the crisis to emissions, construction dust, and the rampant stubble burning by farmers in Punjab and Haryana, who clear their fields for the next crop cycle.

Moving Forward

As Delhi’s air quality continues to deteriorate, public figures and experts alike are calling for urgent action. Whether Kant’s post was ill-timed or merely a reflection of his travels, it has reignited a crucial debate on the government’s responsibility to address the capital’s unrelenting environmental challenges.

Shashi Tharoor Asks: ‘Should Delhi Still Be India’s Capital?’ Here’s Why He Said It

November 19, 2024, 9:21 am

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor raised a thought-provoking question about whether Delhi should remain India’s capital, as the city grapples with hazardous levels of air pollution. The Delhi-NCR region has been enveloped in a thick blanket of toxic smog, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to alarming levels far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum.

Delhi’s Toxic Smog Levels Surge

The city’s AQI has soared to over 60 times the safe limit, causing a public health emergency. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI hit a staggering 494 at 6 am, entering the “severe-plus” category. These levels are among the worst recorded this season, exacerbated by “unfavourable” weather conditions. Authorities have responded by switching schools to online classes and implementing strict pollution control measures.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:

Delhi is officially the most polluted city in the world, 4x Hazardous levels and nearly five times as bad as the second most polluted city, Dhaka. It is unconscionable that our government has been witnessing this nightmare for years and does nothing about it. I have run an Air… pic.twitter.com/sLZhfeo722

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 18, 2024

Tharoor Criticizes Government’s Inaction

Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from Kerala, took to social media to express his frustration with the government’s handling of the pollution crisis. He lamented that despite his efforts, including organizing an Air Quality Round Table for experts and stakeholders since 2015, little has changed. “This city is essentially uninhabitable from November to January,” Shashi Tharoor stated, adding that the situation remained unbearable for much of the year. He questioned whether Delhi should continue to serve as the nation’s capital under such dire conditions.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#WATCH | Delhi: Kartavya Path and surrounding areas covered in a layer of smog as air quality in the city remains in ‘Severe’ category, as per Central Pollution Control Board. pic.twitter.com/80mK0nCkBq

— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2024

Delhi Tops Global Pollution Rankings

Delhi has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most polluted cities, particularly during winter months. Cold air traps smoke, dust, and emissions, including from illegal stubble burning by farmers in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. This creates a toxic mixture that severely impacts air quality and public health.

Government’s Response and Stricter Pollution Measures

In response to the worsening smog, the Centre’s air quality panel invoked stricter pollution control measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The measures include urging vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions, to stay indoors. The city’s AQI levels are expected to remain dangerously high, with Delhi’s air quality showing no immediate signs of improvement.

The Growing Health Crisis

The current air quality crisis in Delhi is putting immense pressure on public health systems, with respiratory and cardiovascular issues on the rise. The air pollution is taking a toll on residents, forcing the authorities to take extreme measures to safeguard the public.

As the toxic smog continues to choke the city, the question remains: how long can Delhi endure these hazardous air quality levels? Tharoor’s suggestion of reevaluating the capital’s status amid such a public health crisis is likely to spark further debate.

Delhi Struggles with Severe Air Quality as Winter Approaches

November 4, 2024, 10:45 am

As winter approaches, a thick layer of smog has settled over Delhi, causing the air quality index (AQI) to remain in the “very poor” category. On Monday morning, the AQI was recorded above 300 in various parts of the national capital, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

AQI Readings Across the Capital

At around 7 AM, several areas reported alarming AQI levels. New Moti Bagh recorded an AQI of 400, RK Puram at 393, Dwarka Sector 8 at 393, and ITO at 349, all indicating “very poor” air quality. Meanwhile, Vivek Vihar showed an AQI of 421, and Ashok Vihar reached 409, categorizing the air quality as “severe.”

Understanding the AQI Categories

To clarify the levels of air quality:

200-300: Poor
301-400: Very Poor
401-450: Severe
Above 450: Severe Plus

Concerns from Residents and Tourists

Tourists and locals alike have expressed their concerns about the deteriorating air quality. Ashish, a tourist from Mumbai, voiced his distress, stating, “Yesterday I came from Mumbai to Delhi. Right now, the old people are facing a lot of issues. They are facing breathing issues. We cannot even see the sunrise because of the smog. This is a serious problem and we need to address it.”

Local resident Manoj Kumar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “People are facing a lot of issues due to pollution. The only thing we can do to prevent ourselves is not get out of their homes, especially those who have low immunity.”

Anand Vihar: The Most Affected Area

Anand Vihar, a major terminal for interstate buses, continues to be severely impacted by pollution, with an AQI level reaching 433, placing it in the “severe” category. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi highlighted that the influx of buses from Uttar Pradesh is a significant contributor to the area’s poor air quality, emphasizing the need for discussions with the UP government.

Government’s Response and Solutions

Environment Minister Gopal Rai also addressed the situation, pointing out that the diesel buses coming from Uttar Pradesh are “doubling the pollution” in Delhi. He requested the UP government to implement water sprinkling at the Kaushambi bus depot to mitigate the pollution. Rai remarked, “The pollution level in Delhi is in the ‘poor’ category. But the pollution level in Anand Vihar has been at a very high level. Diesel buses are coming here in huge numbers from Uttar Pradesh. The smoke from those buses is doubling the pollution in Delhi… I request the UP government to conduct water sprinkling in the Kaushambi bus depot. We can bring a solution with joint effort.”

Delhi Struggles with ‘Very Poor’ Air Quality Despite Firecracker Ban

October 28, 2024, 6:44 am

On Monday morning, Delhi’s air quality showed a small improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) averaged 264 at 6 a.m., down by almost 90 points from the previous day. However, the air quality still fell in the “very poor” category, which remains harmful to health, according to the IQair website.

Winds Boost AQI, but Pollution Remains High

The recent improvement in air quality results from a slight increase in wind speed. Over the past two days, stagnant air worsened pollution, driving AQI levels higher.

Pitampura and Defence Colony See Varied AQI Levels

Pitampura’s AQI stood at 167 early Monday, showing better air quality than other parts of the city. However, areas like Defence Colony recorded AQI levels over 320, indicating a worsening trend in pollution.

Pollution Worsens with Calm Winds

On Sunday, calm winds kept pollutants trapped, and air quality in Delhi dropped to “very poor.” The city’s AQI climbed to 355 by 4 p.m., compared to 255 on Saturday, reported the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Out of Delhi’s 40 monitoring stations, 37 reported data, with three—Bawana, Burari, and Jahangirpuri—showing “severe” pollution levels.

Delhi Takes Steps to Control Pollution

With Diwali and winter approaching, the Delhi government has introduced several pollution-control measures. These steps include promoting public transport, reducing dust, and banning firecrackers during the festival.

The Centre’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is also in effect. Since October 21, the Commission for Air Quality and Management (CAQM) has activated GRAP Stage 2, targeting AQI levels between 301 and 400.

Firecracker Ban to Curb Pollution

Delhi-NCR has banned traditional firecrackers since 2020, allowing only “green crackers” without barium salts. To prevent misuse, officials continue to impose a blanket ban during winter.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) banned the manufacture, sale, storage, and online delivery of firecrackers until January 1, 2025. Yet, cross-border smuggling and doorstep delivery of banned firecrackers may still add to Delhi’s pollution issues.

Delhi Weather Today: June 26 Starts Warm at 32.05°C, Air Quality at 100

June 26, 2024, 8:59 am

Delhi’s temperature today, June 26, 2024, is 39.09°C. The forecast predicts a minimum of 32.05°C and a maximum of 40.42°C, with a relative humidity of 39% and wind speeds of 39 km/h. The sun rose at 5:25 AM and will set at 7:22 PM.

For tomorrow, June 27, 2024, Delhi is expected to have temperatures between 30.88°C and 42.34°C, with a humidity level of 38%.

With temperatures ranging from 32.05°C to 40.42°C today, it will be a hot day. Plan outdoor activities accordingly and wear suitable attire if you are sensitive to heat.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi today is 100.0, indicating poor air quality. Children and individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor activities. Being aware of the AQI is crucial for making informed decisions about your activities and overall well-being.

Delhi’s air quality remains in very poor category

December 9, 2023, 9:17 am

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in parts of Delhi continues to hover in the ‘Very Poor’ category, prompting concerns about deteriorating air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI levels persist in this range, indicating a challenging environment for residents. Visuals from areas around Akshardham early in the morning depicted the city engulfed in smog, raising alarm bells.

As per the CPCB, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at Anand Vihar, Delhi, was recorded at 374 on Friday morning, marking it within the ‘ very poor’ category. The ongoing spell of poor air quality has been a cause for worry, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting no rainfall in the National Capital until December 11. The prediction includes clear skies with shallow to moderate fog during the morning.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took the opportunity to criticize Union Minister Bhupender Yadav’s response to questions on public health and air pollution. Ramesh accused Yadav of providing a “gol mol” (vague) reply during a session in Parliament. The exchange occurred during the Question Hour on ‘air pollution in the NCR and the country’ in the Rajya Sabha. Ramesh specifically inquired about a potential review of the Pollution Control Act passed in 1981 and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

In response, Minister Yadav highlighted the government’s efforts and budgetary provisions to tackle air pollution. He mentioned the identification of 131 cities facing air quality issues and the allocation of funds accordingly. Yadav emphasized the recognition of municipalities contributing positively to the cause, suggesting awards be given to those exhibiting commendable efforts. However, the exchange underscores the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the government’s approach and calls for more concrete actions to combat the ongoing air quality crisis.

The air quality index categories range from ‘good’ (0–100) to ‘ severe’ (400–500 or above). The prolonged period of ‘ very poor’ air quality in Delhi accentuates the need for comprehensive measures to address pollution and safeguard public health. The issue is likely to fuel further debates in Parliament and draw attention to the urgency of effective policies and interventions.

Heavy Fog Disrupts Delhi Air Traffic, 18 Flights Diverted at IGI Airport

December 2, 2023, 12:23 pm

The national capital witnessed significant air travel disruptions on Saturday due to thick fog and poor weather conditions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, leading to the diversion of 18 Delhi-bound flights and causing delays for numerous others, airport sources confirmed.

Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., as visibility plummeted below 800 meters, low visibility procedures (LVP) were activated to assist flight landings. Flights were redirected to cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar amidst the first spell of the season’s fog.

Delhi experienced reduced visibility as well as ‘ very poor’ air quality readings in various areas, resulting in smog cover across multiple city sectors.

Due to the delays and diversions, airlines actively updated passengers via social media, urging them to contact the carriers for assistance.

Vistara Airlines reported the diversion of Flights UK954 and UK928 from Mumbai to Jaipur in a series of updates, later confirming their expected arrival at Delhi Airport before 11:30 a.m.

#DiversionUpdate: Flight UK832 from Chennai to Delhi (MAA-DEL) has been diverted to Amritsar (ATQ) due to low visibility at Delhi (DEL) airport and is expected to arrive in Amritsar at 1100hrs. Please stay tuned for further updates.

— Vistara (@airvistara) December 2, 2023

Similarly, due to bad weather and low visibility at IGI Airport, Vistara’s Delhi-bound Flight UK906 from Ahmedabad was rerouted back to Ahmedabad.

Terminal 3 of IGI recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 375 at 10:00 a.m., with areas like Anand Vihar and Ashok Vihar rated ‘Very Poor’ with AQI readings of 388 and 386, respectively, at 6 a.m.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai highlighted the lifting of Graded Response Action Plan (Grap-3) while emphasizing stringent implementation of Grap-1 and 2 to combat the deteriorating air quality. The AQI categorizes 0-100 as ‘good’ and 400-500 or above as’severe’.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Calls for Urgent Review Meeting on Rising Pollution

November 13, 2023, 11:47 am

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has summoned a crucial pollution review meeting with the officers of the Environment Department at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday. The move follows the persistently alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas of Delhi-NCR, ranging from ‘severe’ to ‘severe plus’ for the past several days.

Expressing concern over the post-Diwali scenario, Minister Rai highlighted the need to address the worsening air quality. The review meeting, scheduled for 12 pm on Monday, will focus on the comprehensive status of different enforcement measures implemented to combat pollution.

Despite the Delhi government’s ban on firecrackers and the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe nahi’ campaign, Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday. Videos and pictures from various parts of the city showed reduced visibility, complicating the situation for residents.

Congress MP Manish Tewari and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale raised concerns on social media about firecrackers being burst, with Tewari questioning the effectiveness of the Supreme Court’s ban. In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the AAP government recently imposed a complete ban on firecrackers and considered ‘artificial rain’ as a solution.

The data on pollution in the past week has revealed a grave situation, with PM 2.5 concentrations exceeding 20 times the World Health Organization’s limit. The government has taken stringent measures, including the closure of primary classes and restrictions on truck entry.

Delhi Environment Minister Urges UP Transport Minister to Crack Down on Non-Destined Vehicles

November 11, 2023, 2:52 pm

Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Environment Minister, has issued a letter to the Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister requesting action on the transportation of non-destined cars into Delhi from the UP border to reduce pollution in the city.

“In this regard, it is requested that directions be issued to the concerned to ensure that all the non-destined vehicles should be diverted through Eastern and Western Peripheral Motorway night at their entry points before the Delhi Border. Accordingly, additional enforcement teams may be deployed at all entry points in peripheral ways to ensure the implementation of the aforesaid directions.” Read the letter addressed to UP Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh.

Following Friday’s rain, Delhi’s air quality improved somewhat on Saturday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has upgraded the air quality from ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’.
Anand Vihar had an AQI of 295 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, RK Puram had a reading of 230, Punjabi Bagh had a reading of 244, and ITO had a reading of 263. Meanwhile, Gopal Rai declared that the state government will postpone the intended implementation of the city’s odd-even car-rationing programme. The level of pollution has decreased. The AQI has dropped from 450 to roughly 300. The implementation of odd-even from November 13 to 20 has been postponed.

The statement comes after the Supreme Court asked the Delhi government earlier in the day to make a final judgement on the implementation of the Odd-Even Scheme. The court, however, declined to make a ruling, instead leaving the subject to the state administration.
The national capital is now implementing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the city’s air quality dropped to the ‘severe plus’ level.

Delhi AQI: AAP works to enforce Supreme Court air quality rules, holds meeting

November 8, 2023, 1:40 pm

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai led a meeting involving relevant departments to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s instructions regarding pollution. Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and Revenue Minister Atishi were also present during the meeting.

Rai emphasized that the AAP government would adhere to the Supreme Court’s pollution control guidelines. The Supreme Court has issued directives related to curbing pollution in Delhi, including putting an end to stubble burning in states where it occurs.

Despite deteriorating air quality and the ongoing pollution concerns affecting people’s health, reports of stubble-burning incidents in the Mamdot area of Ferozepur, Punjab, continued.

The national capital remained shrouded in a thick toxic haze, with air quality categorized as “severe,” as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court expressed grave concerns about the hazardous air quality in Delhi and directed that farmers cease stubble burning immediately in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, considering it a major contributor to air pollution. The court also noted that the smog towers installed as per a prior order were not functioning and instructed the government to ensure their repair.

The top court further asked the chief secretaries of the respective states to hold a meeting, either physically or via Zoom, to address the pollution issue. It was observed that schemes like odd-even for vehicles, which have been used in the past to tackle pollution, were seen as mere optics.

Air pollution during winter months can be attributed to various factors, including dust and vehicular pollution, dry-cold weather, stubble burning, crop residue burning, and increased commuting.

Worsening Air Quality Prompts Delhi to Impose Restrictions on Truck Entry

November 7, 2023, 12:31 pm

New Delhi continues to grapple with a dire environmental crisis as thick blankets of smog cloak parts of the city, leading to ‘severe’ air quality conditions, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Tuesday.

Data released by the CPCB reveals alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in various city areas. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 440, while Narela registered 388, Punjabi Bagh 434, RK Puram 431, and Shadipur 408—all falling within the ‘severe category zone.’ Similarly, Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 416, IGI Airport 404, Pusa Road 337, and Sonia Vihar 407.

The deteriorating air quality has prompted various measures to combat the crisis. Gurgaon Police has restricted the entry of trucks into Delhi-NCR, affecting heavy vehicles, commercial vehicles with BS 3 petrol engines, BS 4 diesel vehicles, LMVs (four-wheelers), and trucks transporting non-essential goods. Diesel-run medium goods vehicles (MGVs) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are also included in the restrictions.

“The general public is hereby informed that due to poor air quality in Delhi-NCR, as per the rules of GRAP, heavy vehicles, commercial vehicles with BS 3 petrol engines, BS 4 diesel vehicles, LMV (four-wheelers), are restricted from entering the Delhi-NCR area,” a Gurgaon Police advisory articulated.

The air quality crisis has persisted for six consecutive days, with the Gurugram-Mahipalpur area enshrouded in a haze of smoke and fog. Concerned citizens have voiced their distress over the situation, highlighting the health risks associated with the ongoing smog.

In response to the escalating pollution levels, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai convened a meeting involving relevant departments to discuss the stringent enforcement of GRAP-4. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) throughout the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb further air quality deterioration.

GRAP comprises a series of guidelines and measures designed to combat air pollution in the NCR, encompassing Delhi and its environs. Various factors contribute to elevated winter air pollution, including dust, vehicular emissions, dry-cold weather, crop residue burning, and restricted air movement due to cold air density. These conditions have led to dangerously high AQI levels, particularly hazardous for individuals with respiratory ailments and posing risks, including lung cancer. The situation has drawn widespread public concern, urging authorities to address this pressing issue.

Complete ban on firecrackers extended to 1 January, 2023 by the Delhi govt.

September 7, 2022, 12:17 pm

To contain the pollution during the festival season, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday announced that the ban on production, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers will be extended to 1 January, 2023. Rai said that the ban has also been extended to their online sales or purchases.

Rai tweeted, “Production, storage, sale and use of all types of firecrackers are being completely banned so that people’s lives can be saved.” He said, “Online sale/delivery of firecrackers will also be banned in Delhi this time. The restriction will remain in force till 1 January, 2023. “

The minister also said that an action plan will be drawn up with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi Police, and Revenue Department to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.

Last year, in wake of coronavirus disease pandemic and Delhi’s deteriorating air quality, the Delhi government had ordered a complete ban on sale and bursting firecrackers, including “green crackers”, in the national capital from 28 September to 1 January, 2022.

In order to create awareness against the bursting of firecrackers, the AAP has also launched the ‘patakhe nahi diye jalao’ campaign.