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Why Delhi-NCR Enforced GRAP-1 and What Restrictions Are Now in Place

May 17, 2025, 12:33 pm

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-I restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. This decision comes after pollution levels remained high, despite previous forecasts predicting improvement.

Emergency Review Follows Sudden Spike in Pollution

On May 17, the CAQM sub-committee held a special meeting to assess the air quality situation. The panel observed that strong winds carried dust particles from far-off areas into the national capital. This unexpected weather pattern caused a short-term but intense pollution event.

Experts explained that even though such dust intrusions are temporary, they can severely impact health. This event pushed pollution levels into the ‘Poor’ category again.

Delhi’s AQI Falls Sharply

On May 15, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) fell drastically. By May 16, it stood at 278, which is classified as ‘Poor’. This shift triggered concern, especially because earlier weather models had predicted improvement.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), the capital’s air quality may stay poor through May 17. They expect the AQI to remain at the lower end of the ‘Poor’ range.

Dust and Emissions Become Immediate Targets

In response, CAQM ordered strict measures to limit dust and emissions. Officials must:

Step up dust-control efforts, especially at construction and demolition sites.
Monitor project sites carefully to ensure compliance.
Enforce all existing pollution control laws.

Residents, meanwhile, have been asked to:

Limit outdoor activities, especially in the early morning and evening.
Use public transport instead of personal vehicles.
Avoid burning waste, such as dry leaves or garbage.

Key Stage-I Measures You Should Know

Stage-I of GRAP targets pollution at the source. It focuses on dust, vehicle emissions, and industrial smoke. Here are the key restrictions now active across the entire National Capital Region:

Construction rules tightened: Projects over 500 sq. metres must follow a certified dust management plan.
Open burning is banned: Residents and businesses cannot burn trash, leaves, or other waste in the open.
Cleaner cooking fuels required: Roadside vendors, hotels, and restaurants can’t use coal or firewood. They must switch to electricity, LPG, or clean energy.
Diesel generators restricted: Only emergency or essential services can use them.
Polluting vehicles fined: Police can impound or penalize visibly polluting vehicles.
Traffic cops at key signals: Drivers must turn off engines at red lights to cut idle emissions.
Old vehicles still banned: Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot operate in Delhi.
Firecrackers remain banned: Production, sale, and storage are prohibited across NCR until January 1, 2025.
Industries under watch: Polluting factories and thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi face strict checks and action.
Report violations easily: Use the Green Delhi App, SAMEER App, or call 311 to report pollution-related issues.

CAQM May Enforce Stricter Steps Soon

CAQM will track air quality and weather patterns daily. If conditions worsen, the panel could impose Stage-II or higher GRAP restrictions.

All government departments have received orders to stay on high alert. They must follow the updated GRAP guidelines, which the CAQM issued in December 2024. These updates came after Supreme Court directions to strengthen pollution control in Delhi-NCR.

Delhi-NCR Borders Choked Due To Farmers’ Protest: Know The Alternative Routes | WATCH

December 2, 2024, 11:12 am

As Delhi and Noida prepare for a massive protest march by farmers, traffic has been severely obstructed across key routes. The farmers, who come from at least 20 districts, are marching toward Parliament to press for five critical demands. Heavy police presence and barricades are already in place as the march is slated to begin on Monday at 12 pm.

Visuals from the affected areas reveal long queues of vehicles, particularly at the Chilla border and the Delhi-Noida direct flyover. Noida Police have issued a traffic advisory to deal with the disruptions, advising commuters to plan their journeys in advance.

Traffic Diversions and Alternate Routes

Due to the protest, several routes in Delhi and Noida have been restricted. The Noida Police have suggested alternative routes for vehicles to minimise congestion:

Chilla Border to Greater Noida: Sector 14-A flyover, Golchakkar Chowk, Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk, Jhunjhupura Chowk
DND Border to Delhi: Film City flyover, Sector-18, Elevated Road
Kalindi Border to Delhi: Mahamaya flyover, Sector-37
Greater Noida to Delhi: Charkha roundabout, Kalindi Kunj, or Hajipur underpass via Sector-51 and Model Town
Yamuna Expressway Traffic: Exit at Jewar toll, proceed via Khurja and Jahangirpur
Peripheral Expressway Traffic: Use Dadri or Dasna exits instead of Sirsa

Farmers’ Demands at the Heart of Protest

The farmers are marching with five key demands aimed at improving their livelihood and ensuring proper compensation for land acquisition. These include:

Allocation of 10% plots and a 64.7% increase in compensation under the old land acquisition law.
Compensation for land acquired after January 1, 2014 Four times the market rate.
20% plots should be set aside for those acquired after this date above.
Employment and rehabilitation allowances to children of landless farmers.
Government orders on issues raised by the High Power Committee and proper settlement for populated areas.

As the farmers’ march progresses, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and work to manage the traffic disruptions.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO OF TRAFFIC:

Ahead of farmers’ protest, massive traffic jam, barricading on Noida-Delhi border pic.twitter.com/XfJi31pmSg

— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) December 2, 2024

Protest in Context: A Growing Struggle for Farmers’ Rights

This march is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, ongoing struggle by farmers in the region to secure better compensation and fair treatment. Their demands highlight long-standing concerns about land acquisition, compensation fairness, and the need for economic rehabilitation for farmers and their families.

Delhi-NCR Schools Permitted Hybrid Classes Amid Air Quality Concerns

November 26, 2024, 12:35 am

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed the Delhi government to adopt a hybrid teaching model for schools and colleges, allowing a combination of physical and online classes where feasible.

This decision follows the Supreme Court’s directive to evaluate the reopening of physical classes in the Delhi-NCR region. The court highlighted that, given the absence of air purifiers in most homes, there was little difference between students staying indoors and attending school. Concerns about students missing mid-day meals and limited access to online classes due to resource constraints were also addressed.

The CAQM has eased certain restrictions under Stages 3 and 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), facilitating educational institutions to operate in hybrid mode. It further advised regional governments to decide on implementing this approach.

Also Read: Delhi’s Air Quality Improves Slightly, But Pollution Remains High

Despite the Supreme Court’s refusal to relax GRAP IV restrictions for Delhi on Monday, it urged the CAQM to consider measures specifically benefiting students. As a result, educational institutions can now balance in-person and virtual learning to ensure minimal disruption to education amidst ongoing air quality concerns.

India’s Real Estate Equity Investments to Surpass $10 Bn in 2024: CBRE-CII Report

November 20, 2024, 4:37 pm

India’s real estate sector is poised to achieve a significant milestone, with equity investments projected to surpass $10 billion for the first time in 2024, according to a joint report by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The report forecasts equity investments in the sector to range between $10 billion and $11 billion in 2024, driven by strong inflows into built-up office assets and a robust land acquisition pipeline for residential projects.

Between January and September 2024 alone, equity capital inflows reached $8.9 billion, marking a significant 46% year-on-year growth.

This period also recorded over 200 deals, with an average deal size of $45 million, a sharp rise from 151 deals with a $36 million average in the same timeframe last year.

Domestic investors, led primarily by developers, accounted for $6 billion, or 65% of total inflows, during the first nine months of 2024. Foreign investors contributed $3.1 billion, with North American and Singaporean investors making up 85% of this segment.

The office sector recorded a remarkable 50% year-on-year growth in investments during January-September 2024, while land/development sites and mixed-use projects collectively attracted over 70% of total inflows.

Geographically, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru emerged as top markets, commanding a combined 63% of capital inflows. Delhi-NCR alone accounted for $2.3 billion, representing approximately 26% of the total equity investments. Tier-II and III cities, including Ludhiana, Mohali, and Indore, also witnessed increasing investor interest, collectively securing $0.6 billion in equity inflows.

Debt financing also reached new heights, surpassing $4.7 billion in the January-September period, more than doubling from the previous year. A significant portion of this financing, around 60%, was directed towards Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with multi-city deals accounting for over 30% of the debt financing share.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, stated, “We believe this regulatory support will add much-needed transparency, enabling a more diversified investment base and encouraging institutional participation across these markets. Going ahead, this growing diversification will not only solidify India’s real estate sector but also pave the way for future growth across emerging asset classes.”

Also read: Maharashtra, Jharkhand Break 2019 Record; EC Seizes Rs 1,000 Crore in Poll Raids

Anil Saraf, Chairman, CII NR Committee on Real Estate and CMD, ASF Group, commented, “The real estate sector is a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Its role extends beyond construction and housing, driving growth in ancillary industries.”

Massive Meth Lab Bust in Delhi-NCR Exposes India-Mexico Drug Cartel Link

October 29, 2024, 4:16 pm

Just days after a similar raid in Chennai, Delhi-NCR authorities uncovered a significant methamphetamine production site in the Kasana industrial area of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Law enforcement officials recovered 95 kg of meth in both solid and liquid forms, alongside precursor chemicals like acetone and red phosphorus. Investigations revealed connections to the Mexican Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), whose members were allegedly involved in drug manufacturing and quality control operations aimed at both domestic and international markets.

Involvement of Delhi-Based Businessman and Tihar Jail Warden

Preliminary reports indicate that a Delhi businessman and a Tihar Jail warden formed the basis of the operation after meeting during the businessman’s previous incarceration. They recruited a chemist from Mumbai to oversee production, while a CJNG member was reportedly sent to Delhi to handle quality control. Both the businessman and warden are now in police custody, along with an associate from Delhi’s Rajouri Garden. Details regarding assets and financial operations are under investigation, though the cartel member’s current status remains undisclosed.

The meth lab in Delhi marks the sixth major drug bust by the Narcotics Control Bureau this year, with similar raids conducted in Gandhinagar, Amreli, Jodhpur, Sirohi, and Bhopal. Authorities report a surge in smaller, industrial-area labs producing meth and mephedrone, allowing drug cartels to evade detection by minimizing toxic byproducts and reducing waste.

India’s Synthetic Drug Crisis: Growing Busts and Arrests

This latest seizure follows recent crackdowns across the country. In Bhopal, authorities seized over 900 kg of mephedrone and 7,000 kg of chemical precursors, while a recent raid in Assam uncovered heroin valued at ₹6 crore. Gujarat Police also reported a major operation in Bharuch, recovering drugs worth ₹250 crore, linked to a businessman previously implicated in seizures worth ₹5,000 crore.

GRAP Stage 2 Activated in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Deteriorates

October 23, 2024, 8:25 am

The air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has recently worsened, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) this morning. At 8 AM, the AQI was recorded at 317, categorizing it as “very poor.”

The AQI scale classifies values as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), 401-450 (severe), and above 450 (severe-plus). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Delhi’s AQI will remain in the “very poor” range in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions and the impact of stubble burning in nearby Haryana and Punjab, especially during the post-harvest season.

Under Stage 2 of the GRAP, restrictions will be placed on the use of coal, firewood, and diesel generator sets across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). Additionally, mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling will occur daily on designated roads, with dust control measures implemented at construction and demolition sites.

Traffic management will be enhanced, including increased deployment of personnel at congestion points, higher parking fees to discourage private vehicle use, and the introduction of additional bus and metro services. Citizens are encouraged to use public transportation, minimize personal vehicle usage, regularly replace air filters in their cars, and avoid dust-generating construction activities during the October to January period. Open burning of solid waste and biomass is also discouraged.

These measures build on the Stage 1 actions initiated on October 15, which included periodic road sweeping, dust mitigation at construction sites, and a ban on open waste burning and the use of coal or firewood in eateries.

Future Stages of GRAP:

– Stage 3 is implemented when the AQI ranges from 401 to 450, introducing more frequent mechanized road cleaning, intensified public transport services, and restrictions on certain vehicle types.

– Stage 4, enacted when the AQI exceeds 450, includes stopping truck entry into Delhi, banning construction activities, and potentially halting physical classes for younger students. The government may also impose restrictions on office attendance and consider additional emergency measures.

Earlier this week, the Delhi government launched the “Red Light On, Gaadi Off” campaign, encouraging drivers to turn off their engines at red lights to reduce pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai emphasized the government’s commitment to combating air pollution, including the establishment of a “green war room” and an anti-dust campaign, along with spraying bio-decomposers over 5,000 acres to address stubble burning.

CAQM Holds Crucial Meeting with States on Stubble Burning and Polluting Vehicles in Delhi-NCR

October 14, 2024, 1:25 pm

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken significant steps to address the growing concern of air pollution in Delhi-NCR by holding comprehensive meetings with the state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These meetings focused on enforcing measures against stubble burning and addressing polluting vehicles in the region.

A detailed action plan has been prepared, and CAQM is conducting regular reviews to monitor its implementation. The commission has empowered district authorities to take strict action against officials who fail to enforce restrictions on stubble burning, particularly in the states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

According to sources from the Ministry of Environment, the Deputy Commissioners, District Collectors, and District Magistrates in these areas have been authorised to file complaints or initiate prosecution against officials who show inaction. These authorities can now approach jurisdictional judicial magistrates to hold responsible officials, including nodal officers, supervisory officers, and Station House Officers (SHOs), accountable for poor enforcement efforts.

Monitoring Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana

Recent data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change highlights the urgency of the situation. From September 15 to October 9, 267 and 187 incidents of paddy residue burning were reported in Punjab and Haryana, respectively. Stubble burning in neighbouring states has been identified as a significant contributor to the poor air quality in Delhi, especially during winter when pollutants get trapped, resulting in hazardous smog.

The CAQM has deployed 26 Central teams to hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana to maintain close coordination with district-level authorities. These teams will work to ensure that all resources for managing crop residue, both in situ and ex situ, are optimally utilised. A “Paddy Stubble Management Cell” has also been set up in Chandigarh to monitor and coordinate efforts continuously.

Crackdown on Polluting Vehicles in Delhi-NCR

Alongside the focus on stubble burning, a special drive targeting polluting and unfit vehicles has commenced in Delhi and the NCR. These efforts are being reviewed at multiple levels, including by the Environment Ministry, CAQM, and state governments. The drive aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a major source of pollution in the region.

Last month, the Supreme Court criticised the CAQM for not taking adequate measures to curb air pollution in the national capital region, accusing the commission of being a “silent spectator.” In response, the CAQM has intensified its efforts to ensure stricter enforcement of anti-pollution measures, including holding state governments and local authorities accountable for inaction.

With winter approaching, the risk of severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR is high, and the CAQM’s recent steps signal a more robust approach to tackling the dual issues of stubble burning and vehicular pollution. Continuous monitoring and stringent enforcement will be key to improving air quality in the coming months.

Swiggy Instamart Launches 24×7 Free Delivery In Delhi-NCR

September 30, 2024, 10:45 pm

Swiggy Instamart has made shopping even easier by introducing 24×7 free delivery across Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida. Just in time for the festive season, the quick commerce platform is now offering fast deliveries of essentials and groceries within 10-15 minutes, day and night, at no extra cost.

24×7 Free Delivery Across Delhi-NCR

Swiggy Instamart becomes the first quick commerce platform to offer round-the-clock free delivery in the Delhi-NCR region. Whether it’s last-minute party supplies or late-night snacks, consumers can now enjoy fast delivery at any hour without paying extra.

The company announced, “Swiggy Instamart launches 24×7 free delivery services to meet the growing demand during the festive season. Residents of Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida can now get thousands of products delivered within 10-15 minutes, anytime.”

Meeting Festive Season Demand

With the festive season in full swing, Swiggy Instamart has noticed that demand for essentials surges during late-night hours, particularly around celebratory events and gatherings.

The platform shared, “Customers often place late-night orders for party essentials and last-minute festive preparations. With 24×7 free delivery, Swiggy Instamart ensures that no celebration is left incomplete, offering a wide range of products including groceries, festive treats, toys, and more.”

Unmatched Convenience

Swiggy Instamart’s 24×7 service offers a seamless shopping experience, catering to all kinds of needs—from groceries and electronics to festive items and gifts. Now, residents across Delhi-NCR can enjoy the convenience of instant deliveries around the clock, making sure they are always prepared for any occasion.

Get ready to experience hassle-free shopping at any hour with Swiggy Instamart’s new 24×7 free delivery!

This Noida Singer Becomes First To Own iPhone 16 In Delhi-NCR

September 20, 2024, 11:47 am

Sahaj Ambavat, a professional singer from Noida, has made headlines as the first person in the Delhi-NCR region to own a phone from the iPhone 16 series. He purchased the iPhone 16 Pro with 256GB storage in the Desert Titanium variant, priced at Rs. 1.3 lakh. Thanks to a cashback offer, he secured the phone for Rs. 1.25 lakh.

As a musician, Sahaj is particularly excited about the iPhone’s Audio Mix feature, which he believes will significantly enhance the quality of his singing videos. “The audio mix feature is really useful for me, especially when recording,” he shared, highlighting how it will elevate the sound quality of his content. Sahaj added, “I got the 16 Pro, 256GB, Desert Titanium and I am happy with the iPhone. First in the city. This is my first experience at the Apple store. I’ve been here since 4:30 AM to get the iPhone 16.”

The iPhone 16 Pro’s new capabilities, particularly in the realm of audio, seem tailor-made for professionals like Sahaj, who rely heavily on tech for their work. This phone will undoubtedly aid his creative process, allowing him to streamline his recording and mixing tasks.

What Is the Audio Mix Feature?

Apple has introduced advanced audio capabilities in its iPhone Pro models, aimed at professionals like filmmakers and content creators. The Audio Mix feature allows for the isolation of voices and background elements, giving recordings a studio-like quality, even though they’re made on a phone. It’s enhanced by wind noise reduction, with Apple’s machine-learning algorithms reducing unwanted background sounds to ensure top-tier audio quality.

Both iPhone Pro models are equipped with four studio-quality microphones and can record video in Spatial Audio, delivering an immersive, true-to-life sound experience. Paired with the device’s speakers and the Audio Mix feature, users can produce cinematic audio. This seamless switch between off-camera audio and in-frame sound helps eliminate background noise, offering professionals superior sound for their projects. Apple’s focus on high-quality audio makes the iPhone Pro series a powerful tool for content creators looking to elevate their audio and video production.

IMD Predicts Heavy Rain in Delhi-NCR for Next 4-5 Days; Issues Red Alert

July 31, 2024, 8:18 pm

Several parts of Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed heavy showers on Wednesday evening, bringing much-needed relief from the humid weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for most parts of the capital and its surrounding areas until 9 pm, indicating the severity of the rainfall expected.

The IMD’s latest update mentioned, “Clouds have converged over Delhi from all four sectors. Widespread Light/Moderate Rainfall with isolated Intense to very intense Spell (3-5 cm/hr) likely over Delhi during the next 2 hours.”

Before this heavy rainfall, the IMD had predicted moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in several parts of Delhi, including North Delhi, Central Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, South-East Delhi, East Delhi, and other parts of the NCR.

The weather agency has warned that the showers are likely to cause slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Delhi experienced an average maximum temperature of 35.8°C in July, slightly above the long-period average (LPA). However, the high humidity levels – over 50% on most days in July – led to a Heat Index (HI) or ‘real feel’ of 45.8°C, making it feel significantly warmer than the recorded maximum temperature.

On Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature for the month this year, with the mercury settling at 39.3 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season’s normal. On Wednesday morning, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 30.4 degrees Celsius, 3.3 notches above the season’s normal. The humidity level stood at 63% at 5.30 pm.

According to the IMD, intermittent showers are likely in the national capital until August 5. Northwest India is also expected to see fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning over places like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Scattered to widespread rain is likely over Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over the next 4-5 days.

Mother Dairy Hikes Milk Prices By ₹2 Per Litre In Delhi-NCR

June 3, 2024, 12:28 pm

Mother Dairy announced a price increase of ₹2 per litre for all milk variants across its operating markets, effective from today. This adjustment is aimed at compensating for rising production costs that have been mounting over the past year.

Revised Prices:

Full Cream Milk: ₹68 per litre
Toned Milk: ₹56 per litre
Double-Toned Milk: ₹50 per litre
Buffalo Milk: ₹72 per litre
Cow Milk: ₹58 per litre
Token Milk: ₹54 per litre

The company stated that despite paying higher prices for milk procurement in recent months, it had maintained consumer prices unchanged until now. The recent unprecedented heat stress across the country has also been highlighted as a factor likely to further impact milk production.

Industry Context:

This price hike follows a similar announcement by Amul, which also increased milk prices by ₹2 per litre starting today. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, attributed their price hike to the rising overall cost of operation and milk production. They noted that their member unions have increased farmers’ prices by approximately 6-8% over the last year.

Mother Dairy’s Rationale:

Mother Dairy emphasized the necessity of price revision to ensure fair compensation for milk producers while maintaining a balance with consumer interests. “The surge in farm prices is only being partially passed on to the consumers, with an effective revision of 3-4%, thereby securing the interests of both the milk producers and the consumers,” the company stated. Consumers in Delhi-NCR will see the new prices in effect starting today. The adjustment aims to address the economic challenges faced by milk producers and ensure the sustainability of milk supply amid rising costs and environmental pressures.

Temperatures Soar Up to 48.8 Degrees Celsius in Barmer, Rajasthan; Orange Warning Issued for Delhi-NCR

May 23, 2024, 9:02 pm

Amidst the ongoing heatwave across the country, Rajasthan experienced scorching temperatures, resulting in five fatalities due to the heatwave. Barmer recorded the highest temperature of the summer at 48.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Centre Jaipur. In Delhi, the maximum temperature slightly decreased but remained above normal for this time of year. Additionally, a severe cyclonic storm named ‘Remal’ is expected to hit West Bengal by Sunday evening.

Following Barmer’s record temperature, other cities in Rajasthan also experienced extreme heat, with Phalodi reaching 48.6 degrees Celsius, Fatehpur at 47.6 degrees Celsius, and several others above 47 degrees Celsius. In response to the heatwave, the IMD issued an ‘orange’ warning for Delhi-NCR from May 25-27, after previous days saw temperatures soar to about 45 degrees Celsius, prompting ‘red’ or ‘orange’ warnings.

The IMD forecasts mainly clear skies in Delhi on Friday, with surface winds reaching speeds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour during the day. However, warm nights are expected at isolated places. In Kerala, heavy rainfall prompted the IMD to issue a red alert in two districts, indicating the possibility of over 20 cm of rain in 24 hours. Waterlogging occurred in low-lying areas of major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Thrissur.

Meanwhile, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are forecasted in parts of Andhra Pradesh from May 23 to 27. Rainfall is expected in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema. Additionally, a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to intensify and reach Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm named Remal by Sunday evening. This marks the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season.

Zero Visibility: Flight Operations Grounded at IGI Delhi Airport

December 26, 2023, 12:03 pm

Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were severely impacted on Tuesday as visibility plummeted to 50 meters, considered zero visibility, according to airport sources. Although there was a slight improvement at 8:30 a.m. with visibility reaching 75 meters, it dropped back to 50 meters.

Airport sources revealed that weather conditions led to significant delays in flight operations, and there were possibilities of diversions. Five flights were diverted to Jaipur between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. due to adverse weather conditions at Delhi airport.

Delhi Airport sent out a passenger caution for the second day in a row, warning that although landings and takes-offs are proceeding, flights that do not meet CAT III criteria may encounter delays. For the most recent flight information, travelers were advised to get in touch with their airlines; the alert expressed regret for any trouble caused.

To enable accurate approaches and landings in limited visibility, the airport authorities implemented the CAT-III Instrument Landing technology (ILS), an anti-fog landing technology.

Simultaneously, North India experienced a continuation of winter chill, with cities like Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Moga in Punjab facing cold waves and dense fog on Tuesday morning. Satellite images released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) depicted fog over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

The Delhi-NCR region was shrouded in dense fog as temperatures dropped to nearly 7 degrees Celsius, as reported by the IMD. The IMD also issued a warning about potential health impacts due to the dense fog, citing concerns about particulate matter and pollutants causing respiratory issues and eye infections.

Delhi-NCR awakens to a layer of dense fog as cold wave grips capital

December 26, 2023, 10:15 am

The temperature in the nation’s capital fell to approximately 7 degrees on Tuesday morning, accompanied by a thick layer of fog, as reported by the India Meteorological Department. Images taken in the morning from Sarai Kale Khan, AIIMS, Safdarjung, Anand Vihar, and India Gate in Delhi revealed them to be completely covered in thick fog with little visibility. On Tuesday night, as the cold wave grew stronger, residents of the nation’s capital sought safety in night shelters located throughout the city. Satellite images that showed a layer of fog spreading over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh were released by the IMD this morning. Images from Moradabad, Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, revealed a dense layer of fog that reduced visibility to nearly nothing.

“It is difficult to see the road due to the fog. There are no rides till now unlike usual. It is risky to ride at this time because of low visibility and it is colder than usual,” a rickshaw driver from Moradabad said.
A night security guard in the area said that it is more difficult to work at night because of the cold and fog.
“It is very cold and now because of fog, I cannot see anything. I work at night and with this cold, it is really difficult,” the watchman said.
People were seen huddled around bonfires along the roads and lanes to beat the bone-chilling cold in the region.
Meanwhile, the Delhi airport experienced delays in both arrivals and departures for about 30 flights including international due to dense fog, as per the Delhi Airport Flight Information Display System data on Tuesday morning.
The sources suggested that the fog conditions are likely to affect more number of flights in the day.

Severe air causes Delhi-NCR to ban non-essential construction; primary schools in the capital are closed

November 3, 2023, 11:25 am

When the air quality in the Delhi-NCR approached the emergency threshold on Thursday, the government moved quickly to mitigate the health-threatening pollution, closing primary schools and prohibiting non-essential construction work. The concentration of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that can enter the respiratory system deeply and cause health issues, surpassed the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter by a factor of seven to eight at several locations across the Delhi-NCR region as a thick and odorous haze covered the skyline.

A numerical model-based system created by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune states that 25% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on Thursday came from burning stubble. The Center’s pollution control panel issued an immediate ban on non-essential construction work, stone crushing, and mining in the area due to the alarming increase in air pollution levels. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of four-wheelers with BS III gasoline and BS IV diesel in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar. Due to the increasing levels of pollution in the city, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared that all public and private elementary schools would be closed for the next two days. Gopal Rai, the minister of environment in Delhi, called an urgent meeting on Friday to assess the situation.

Due to extremely unfavorable meteorological and climatic conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a statutory body tasked with creating strategies to combat pollution in the area, stated that pollution levels are only “expected to increase further.”

Severe air quality warning in Delhi-NCR amid farm fires surge

November 2, 2023, 11:48 am

On Thursday, many districts of Delhi recorded’severe’ air quality, with a persistent hazy haze blanketing the city for the third day in a row.

Scientists have warned of a jump in pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region over the next two weeks due to an increase in farm fires and unfavorable weather conditions. This is problematic because the air quality index has already above 400 in numerous regions.

According to medical authorities, it may worsen asthma and lung difficulties in youngsters and the elderly.

Several city neighborhoods, including Punjabi Bagh (416), Bawana (401), Mundka (420), and Anand Vihar (413), had bad air quality.

An AQI of zero to fifty is regarded good, 51 to one hundred satisfactory, 101 to two hundred moderate, 201 to 300 poor, 301 to 400 very poor, and 401 to 500 severe.

During the winter, unfavorable weather circumstances, a cocktail of emissions from firecrackers and paddy straw burning, as well as local sources of pollution, push Delhi-NCR air quality to dangerous levels.

According to a study done by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the capital has suffered from.

Diesel buses from other states banned from entering Delhi-NCR

October 30, 2023, 3:26 pm

Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced on Monday that all diesel buses operating in Delhi-NCR that are coming from other states will not be allowed to enter after November 1 due to the city’s worsening air quality.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai said, “The Delhi government is working on all the parameters under the winter action plan. Last year, the AQI on October 29 was 397, and yesterday it was 325. So there has been an improvement. We are trying to improve it further. The next 15 days are very important, and we are preparing for them. All the industrial units in Delhi have been shifted from polluted fuel to natural gas. We have formed teams to monitor if anyone is using polluted fuel. The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ campaign is voluntary. I appeal to the people of Delhi to turn off their vehicle’s engine when there is a red signal.”

He added that as of November 1, all outside-of-Delhi-NCR diesel buses will be required to switch to alternative fuels. Rai previously urged the Center to implement strict prohibitions on buses using poor diesel and to outlaw BS III and BS IV buses that travel through the National Capital Region (NCR) of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. In line with the Delhi Government’s initiatives to combat vehicle pollution, the Minister carried out an unexpected inspection of the Kashmiri Gate ISBT for diesel buses arriving from the NCR states.

Delhi-NCR has ‘Very Poor to Poor’ air quality despite 15-point plan; AQI in national capital at 309

October 29, 2023, 10:22 am

The National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Poor’ air quality, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings ranging from 221 to 341.
Despite a 15-point winter action plan to reduce growing pollution, the fight to improve air quality continues.

While initiatives like ‘Red Light on, Gaadi off’ are in motion as vehicular and biomass burning emissions contribute to rising PM2.5 levels, the haze is likely to linger, with ‘Very Poor’ air quality forecast for the region from October 29 to 31, 2023.
The overall air quality in the national capital on Sunday was recorded in the ‘Very Poor’ category, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India.

On Sunday morning, the AQI in Delhi was 309 points.
According to the most recent SAFAR-India data, the air quality near Delhi University was 341 (Very Poor) in the early hours, whereas it was 300 in the IIT region. Similarly, it was measured at 262 in the ‘Poor’ category in the Lodhi Road region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipated prevailing surface breeze from different directions in Delhi with wind speed 04-08 kmph, resulting in mostly clear sky and mist in the morning on October 29.

Also, coming under the ‘Poor’ category, the IIT Delhi region recorded an AQI of 300 and in the Mathura Road area, it was recorded at 228. The quality of air at the Airport (T3) was in the ‘Very Poor’ category, with an AQI of 323.
Meanwhile, Noida recorded an AQI of 317 (Very Poor) and Gurugram 221 (Poor).
Earlier on Friday, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that a 15-point winter action plan is being implemented one by one to curb the pollution.

Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR early morning

July 26, 2023, 12:10 pm

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, rain pelted parts of the capital. ITO, for example, experienced waterlogging, which snarled traffic and made it difficult to move. Early in the morning, Noida and Ghaziabad, as well as other areas of the Delhi-NCR region, experienced heavy rain. Up until July 27, the IMD expects light to moderate precipitation, which will affect the climate.

Meanwhile, Yamuna river in the national capital is still flowing just few centimetres below the danger mark.
At 10:00 pm Tuesday, the Yamuna water level near the old Yamuna Bridge was recorded at 205.24 metres against the danger mark of of 205.33 metres. It was 205.32 metres at 7:00 pm. The rise in water level has been a matter of concern, leading to a flood-like situation in the national capital and adjoining regions.

Following an all-time high of 208.66 meters on July 13, the river’s water level had been hovering around the danger mark of 205.33 meters for the past few days. On July 10, however, the river reached the danger point at 5:00 p.m. after nonstop rain in the nation’s capital.

Delhi-NCR’s biggest Cricket League commences.

January 17, 2023, 12:00 pm

The Central Park Cricket League, a month long cricket extravaganza commenced at the world-class cricket stadium in Central Park Flower Valley in Sohna. With 18 teams compromising approximately 200 players, the cricket league has been exclusively organized for employees, channel partners and residents.

The opening ceremony received an overwhelming response with enthusiastic participation from all the team players. The semi-finals and finals will be played in the last week of February and first week of March respectively. This league aims to enhance collaboration skills and a quick response approach among people.

Mother Dairy hikes milk rate by Rs 2

December 26, 2022, 4:42 pm

Mother Dairy hikes milk rate by Rs 2/liter in Delhi-NCR. The prices are to be effective from Tuesday 27 December 2022.

NHRC holds 3rd hearing, asked report on air pollution in Delhi-NCR

November 19, 2022, 11:37 am

The Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh participated in a third round of video conferencing meetings with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday. They were asked to provide a thorough report on how to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

Under the direction of NHRC Chairman Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, a discussion was held via video conference with the chief secretaries of four states regarding air pollution as the national capital and the NCR region continue to be engulfed in a thick layer of haze.

To address air pollution in Delhi NCR, the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh were called to the last hearing.

While sharing the report at the meeting today, all of the secretaries offered a lot more information on the same topics. The date of the upcoming hearing is now November 25.

While speaking to ANI, NHRC spokesperson Jaimini Kumar Srivastava said that a detailed discussion was held on stubble burning which is one of the biggest reasons for the bad air quality.

“The Commission had a discussion on how to provide the equipment to the poor farmers at the panchayat and body level free of cost so that they can harvest the paddy properly on time. Those who have the capacity to buy equipment should be made available at low cost so that farmers are not forced to burn stubble,” he said.

Srivastava further said that apart from this, the Commission also asked the governments to provide proper equipment to the sanitation workers of the states.

“Be it the waste of hospitals or the dust on the roads, due to which air pollution increases, it should be managed. The Commission has asked for the details of how many mechanized devices are there to cope with the pollution caused by stubble burning and in what capacity they are being ordered. In many states of the country, various topics like pollution caused by stubble burning and deaths of sanitation workers, etc. were discussed with the Chief Secretaries of the states and instructions were also given to prevent and reduce pollution,” NHRC spokesperson said.

After hearing the statements of the individual state’s chief secretaries, the Commission reprimanded the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, holding them accountable for poor management of “stubble burning.”

“The Commission, after considering the responses of the concerned States and the Government of NCT of Delhi, and the deliberations thereon is of the opinion that the farmers are burning stubble under compulsion,” NHRC said in a press release.

The National Human Rights Commission, which handed down the ruling, said that the governments of the states named above did not resolve the recurrent issue of stubble burning, which worsened the air quality.

“The State Governments have to provide harvest machines to get rid of those stubbles but they have failed to provide an adequate number of requisite machines and other measures, as a result, farmers were forced to burn the stubbles, causing pollution,” the commission said, adding that none of the States can blame the farmers for stubble burning, instead, it is due to the failure of all four State Governments that the stubble burning is happening in the four States causing enormous pollutants in the air.