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Fog Disrupts Train Schedules in Delhi: 20 Trains Delayed, Travellers Face Hassle

January 8, 2024, 12:23 pm

The national capital, New Delhi, is grappling with travel disruptions as dense fog blankets several parts of the country, affecting train schedules. Railway officials have reported delays for as many as 20 trains expected to arrive late on Monday due to the prevailing foggy conditions.

According to Northern Railways, four trains are significantly impacted, running behind schedule by approximately 6 hours. These include the Katihar-Amritsar Express, the Khajuarao-Kurukshetra Express, the Jammutawi-Ajmer Express, and the Ajmer-Katra Pooja Express. Another three trains, namely the Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express, Ambedkarnagar-Katra Express, and Chennai-New Delhi GT, are anticipated to be delayed by around 2 hours. Additionally, the Manikpur-Nizamuddin Express is expected to arrive almost 4 hours late.

Twelve other trains are running behind by approximately 1-1.30 hours, including Kanpur-New Delhi Shramshakti, Saharsa-New Delhi Vaishali Express, Banglore-Nizamuddin, Bhubneshwar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Prayagraj-New Delhi Express, Rajendranagar-New Delhi Express, Muzaffarpur-Anand Vihar Express, Amritsar-Mumbai Express, Hyderabad-New Delhi Express, and Chennai-New Delhi GT.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that shallow to moderate fog has been experienced in isolated pockets over Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Visibility below 500 meters has been recorded in several parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Very dense fog conditions have been observed over isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Dense fog is expected in isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh.

The weather conditions have led to significant measures, with the state education department in Chandigarh announcing a temporary suspension of physical classes up to the 8th grade in all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools for the next six days, from January 8 to January 13, 2024. Online classes have been recommended during this period.

In Delhi, thin fog has been witnessed, intensifying cold weather conditions. Parts of the city, including AIIMS and the Barapullah Flyover areas, experienced a layer of fog. The Central Pollution Control Board reports that the air quality in the national capital remains in the very poor category, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded above 300.

The prevailing weather conditions extend beyond Delhi, with dense fog reported in Bihar’s Patna and a thin layer observed on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir. As the fog persists, travelers are advised to check for updates and plan accordingly, while authorities continue to monitor and manage the impact on transportation and daily activities.

Dense Fog Disrupts Delhi-NCR: Flight and Train Delays Cause Inconvenience

December 29, 2023, 11:31 am

Delhi-NCR experienced a hazy morning on Friday as the cold wave continued to hold its grip on Northern India, resulting in dense fog. Despite a slight improvement in fog conditions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the lowest visibility was recorded at 150 meters, with the Runway Visual Range (RVR) ranging from 400 to 800 meters, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The thick fog led to delays in several flights at the Delhi Airport, affecting both arrivals and departures. Additionally, Delhi-bound trains faced delays due to low visibility. The Meteorological Department’s forecast warned of the possibility of visibility reducing to 50 meters in very dense fog and improving to 400 meters in moderate fog at the IGI airport.

Passengers voiced their grievances over the inconvenience caused by the delays. A traveller, Mohd Shahrukh, expressed frustration as his flight was delayed by nearly three hours, impacting attendance at an important event. He stated, “A lot of people are facing difficulties due to the delay of flights.”

The impact of dense fog extended to trains as well. Subhash, another passenger, highlighted delays affecting eight trains that were supposed to reach the previous night and uncertainty about their arrival times.

The low visibility on roads due to dense fog also posed challenges for morning commuters. The India Meteorological Department has issued predictions of dense to very dense fog conditions across North Indian states for the next two days, cautioning travellers and urging caution on the roads.

Indian Railways Disrupted: 14 Trains Delayed Amidst Thick Fog Blanketing Delhi-NCR

December 26, 2023, 11:56 am

Due to heavy fog engulfing the nation’s capital, the Northern Railways has reported major interruptions to train services throughout the northern zone, affecting 14 trains. The Chief Public Relations Officer verified that the dense fog is causing reduced visibility on several trains, such as the Puri-New Delhi Purushottam Express and the Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express.

The dense fog not only affected railway operations but also had a profound impact on air travel. Approximately 30 flights, including international ones, encountered delays in arrivals and departures at Delhi Airport. The Flight Information Display System data indicated disruptions, with airport officials anticipating potential diversions of flights due to the low visibility conditions. As a precautionary measure, five flights were diverted to Jaipur between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory for the second consecutive day, emphasizing that while landings and takeoffs continue, flights not equipped with CAT-III compliance may face disruptions. Passengers were urged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information, and the advisory expressed regret for any inconvenience caused.

CAT-III (Category III) Instrument Landing System (ILS) is an advanced landing system crucial for navigating and landing during low-visibility conditions, such as dense fog. The system aids in maintaining flight operations by ensuring safe landings even when runway visibility is significantly reduced.

Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Delhi: Minimum Temperature Drops to 10.8 Degrees Celsius

December 19, 2023, 11:47 am

The national capital, Delhi, experienced a chilling morning as a relentless cold wave swept through North India, with the minimum temperature recorded at 10.8 degrees Celsius in Palam. Locals, who are already dealing with the bitter cold, are exacerbated by the combination of fog and pollution, which creates difficulties, particularly for those with respiratory issues.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the temperature trend over Delhi, stating, “Palam: 10.8 (-0.4) Safdarjung: 10.2 (+2.2).” Dense fog enveloped vast areas of Delhi on Tuesday morning, exacerbating the prevailing cold conditions.

The cold weather and persistent pollution are causing problems for residents, particularly those with asthma or respiratory problems. A resident, Shubh Bhargav, emphasized the impact of climate change on the city’s current weather conditions.

Locals expressed concern about health issues exacerbated by pollution, with one individual highlighting the negative impact on Delhi’s air quality. On Monday morning, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 6.8 degrees Celsius at Lodhi Road, with Safdarjung reporting a minimum temperature of 7.1 degrees, one degree lower than normal for this season.

The IMD predicts the minimum temperature to range between 5 degrees and 8 degrees throughout the week, with Friday, December 22, anticipated to witness the lowest temperature at 5 degrees. The ongoing weather patterns are influenced by a Western disturbance in the Himalayan region, according to Indian Meteorological Department scientist Naresh Kumar.

As the cold wave persists, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those vulnerable to respiratory issues, and stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories.

Delhi Freezes: Minimum Temperature Plunges to 4.9 Degrees, North and Northeast India Grapple with Dense Fog

December 15, 2023, 10:15 am

The winter chill has tightened its grip on Delhi as the minimum temperature in New Delhi plummeted to 4.9 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the first instance this season of the mercury dipping below 5 degrees. This deviation of below 4 degrees from the normal for this time of the year has residents bracing for a cold winter season. In contrast, the maximum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 24.1 degrees Celsius in New Delhi.

Simultaneously, several regions in north and northeast India woke up to thick fog on Friday morning, severely impacting visibility and causing disruptions in normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported very dense fog in isolated pockets over Punjab, while shallow to moderate fog affected isolated areas in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura at 0530 hours on Friday.

As the city of Amritsar became cloaked in dense fog, residents sought solace from bonfires to combat the persistent coldwave conditions. The recorded visibility at 0530 hours IST was less than or equal to 500 meters in many places. Amritsar reported zero visibility, Patiala had 500 meters, Ghoorpur in Uttar Pradesh recorded 200 meters, and Lucknow and Varanasi each had 500 meters of visibility. Purnea in Bihar, Guwahati in Assam and Meghalaya, and Kailashahar in Tripura reported 200 meters and 500 meters of visibility, respectively.

The IMD highlighted these conditions, stating, “Visibility recorded (at 0530 hours IST of today, 15th Dec) (≤500 meters): Punjab: Amritsar-0, Patiala-500; Uttar Pradesh: Ghoorpur-200, Lucknow & Varanasi-500 each; Bihar: Purnea-200; Assam & Meghalaya: Guwahati-200; Tripura: Kailashahar-500.”

Fog, a weather phenomenon where tiny water droplets come together to create a dense cloud close to the ground or sea, is notorious for hindering visibility. The thick fog poses challenges for drivers, reducing visibility to just a few meters and making travel difficult.

Pollution Levels Soar in 9 State Capitals, Delhi Tops the List

November 14, 2023, 1:19 pm

In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, data from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) tracker revealed a surge in pollution levels in nine out of eleven state capitals analysed in India compared to the previous year. The analysis focused on PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter) data for cities including Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and others.

Delhi witnessed the highest spike in pollution levels, with PM 2.5 reaching 999.5 ug/m3 at Pusa on November 13 at 1:30 am. Despite lower pollution levels before and on Diwali compared to the previous year, a sudden post-Diwali spike raised concerns. Unseasonal rain before Diwali helped settle pollution in various cities, but flouting the Supreme Court’s firecracker ban led to hazardous pollution levels post-Diwali.

Among the capitals analysed, eight had lower PM 2.5 levels a day before Diwali compared to the same period in 2022. However, after Diwali, nine cities experienced increased pollution levels. Delhi’s daily average PM 2.5 levels after Diwali reached 395.9 ug/m3, a sharp rise from 166 ug/m3 in 2022. Other cities like Gandhinagar, Kolkata, and Patna also recorded higher pollution levels after Diwali in 2023.

Despite the Supreme Court’s prohibition, people continued to use fireworks, leading to the post-Diwali pollution increase. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated dramatically after Diwali, falling into the ‘Poor’ category. The findings highlight the difficulties in reducing air pollution over the holiday season, as well as the need for consistent efforts to enforce rules.

Shehzad Poonawalla Slams AAP for Silence on Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

November 14, 2023, 11:32 am

As pollution levels surged in Delhi on Tuesday, a renewed war of words unfolded between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). BJP spokesperson Poonawalla accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of turning the national capital into a “gas chamber” and criticized the AAP for overlooking internal pollution causes.

Poonawalla highlighted the impact of ongoing stubble burning in Punjab, asserting that AAP remains silent on this crucial issue. He listed internal factors such as dust, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and biomass burning, questioning the AAP’s actions over the past nine years.

Meanwhile, BJP’s IT Cell chief Amit Malviya criticized AAP for attributing the pollution to Diwali while neglecting Punjab’s role. Malviya argued that post-Diwali, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) remains better than levels exceeding 900 a few days earlier. He urged a shift from blaming Hindu festivals to addressing the real challenge.

In response, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused the BJP of hiding its role in not enforcing the firecracker ban. He questioned why firecrackers were burst when there was no festival, challenging the BJP to address its failures.

Despite the Supreme Court’s firecracker ban, Delhi witnessed defiant celebrations, prompting concerns about sustained air quality challenges.

As of 9 am, the Central Pollution Control Board recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 361 in Delhi, categorized as ‘Severe.’ Specific areas reported higher levels: RK Puram (417), Punjabi Bagh (410), ITO (430), Jahangirpuri (428), Anand Vihar (355), Ashok Vihar (355), IGI Airport T3 (426), and Rohini (417). The smog-covered capital faces continued challenges despite efforts to mitigate pollution and ongoing Supreme Court directives.

Air Quality Alert: Delhi Witnesses Spike in Pollution as Firecrackers Disregard Ban

November 13, 2023, 11:25 am

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) states that in the aftermath of the Diwali festivities, Delhi-NCR’s air quality has suffered serious damage, falling into the ‘Poor’ category. The city was blanketed in pollution as a result of the extensive use of firecrackers on Diwali night.

Despite the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s strict prohibition on firecrackers and the ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi’ campaign, images from different Delhi sites on Sunday, including Lodhi Road, RK Puram, Karol Bagh, and Punjabi Bagh, showed a sky lighted with fireworks.

According to CPCB statistics, ‘poor’ air quality was detected near the Lodhi Road area at 5:54 a.m. and the Rajghat area at 6:05 a.m. on Monday. Furthermore, post-Diwali celebrations left behind firecracker rubbish in many locations.

As of 8 a.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) in different parts of Delhi, as per CPCB readings, indicates Shadipur and Anand Vihar falling under the ‘Very Poor’ category, with AQI readings of 321 and 312, respectively. Wazirpur, ITO, Burari Crossing, and Anand Vihar all register under the ‘Poor’ category, with readings of 281, 263, 279, and 296, respectively.

On November 12, Anand Vihar’s AQI was at 266, RK Puram recorded 241, Punjabi Bagh showed 233, and ITO reported 227, according to CPCB data at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Delhi has been grappling with escalating pollution levels for the past few weeks, with AQI readings reaching the ‘Severe’ category at multiple locations and persisting in toxic conditions. The city government’s recent ban on firecrackers and consideration of ‘artificial rain’ to combat air pollution temporarily eased the situation after unexpected rainfall.

With PM2.5 concentrations rising to 20 times the WHO threshold, the capital’s air quality has been at an all-time low since late October. In response, the city government has ordered the closure of primary classes and restricted truck entry.

Diwali 2023: National Capital Grapples with Thick Smog, Residents Urged to Take Precautions

November 13, 2023, 9:23 am

Delhi finds itself engulfed in a dense layer of smog post-Diwali, exacerbating the already dire pollution situation in the national capital. The aftermath of festive firecracker celebrations has contributed to heavy pollution, evident in visuals displaying thick haze, reduced visibility, and a palpable deterioration in air quality.

Notably, Delhi has been grappling with escalating pollution levels over the past few weeks, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings frequently entering the ‘severe’ category. The impact of Diwali celebrations is expected to further deteriorate air quality, posing a significant challenge for residents.

The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government had previously imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, and in response to the pollution crisis, even contemplated the idea of ‘artificial rain’ to address the foul air until unexpected rainfall provided temporary relief.

However, recent reports and social media posts indicate widespread firecracker burning in various locations, including Lodhi Road, RK Puram, Karol Bagh, and Punjabi Bagh. This suggests that despite awareness campaigns like the Delhi government’s ‘Diya Jalao, Patakhe Nahi’ and Supreme Court orders, a substantial number of people engaged in fireworks on Diwali night.

Data from the past week indicates that Delhi’s air quality has consistently been at its worst, with PM 2.5 concentration reaching levels 20 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s prescribed limit. In response, the city government has closed all primary classes and restricted the entry of trucks.

As festivities conclude, the looming concern is that despite concerted efforts to curb firecracker usage, rising pollution is likely to cast a shadow over the city, emphasizing the formidable challenge of maintaining air quality in the post-Diwali period.

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 Postpones Odd-Even Scheme Implementation Amid Pollution Improvement

November 10, 2023, 4:17 pm

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a delay in the proposed implementation of the odd-even car-rationing scheme, citing an improvement in pollution levels. The decision, initially scheduled from November 13 to 20, will be reassessed after Diwali.

The announcement followed a directive from the Supreme Court urging the Delhi government to make a definitive decision on the Odd-Even Scheme. The court refrained from making the decision itself, leaving the matter in the hands of the state government.

The odd-even scheme restricts cars in Delhi to operating on alternate days based on their odd or even registration numbers. The overall air quality in Delhi, measured at 407 at 7 a.m., prompted environmental concerns.

The Supreme Court observed that the Amicus Curiae’s report suggested the Odd-Even Scheme did not effectively reduce pollution levels. The court cautioned the Delhi government against evading responsibilities and shifting the burden to the court.

The Supreme Court noted on Friday that the Amicus Curiae report suggested that the Odd-even scheme did not help to reduce pollution levels. “Don’t try to not perform and then shift the burden to the court,” the Supreme Court told the Delhi government after it submitted that it would finalize policy on odd-even after the Supreme Court’s order.

In its efforts to combat pollution, the Delhi government is exploring various measures, including the potential implementation of ‘artificial rain.’ AAP ministers were actively inspecting anti-pollution initiatives on the ground, showcasing the government’s commitment to addressing pressing environmental concerns. The current Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in effect as the air quality in the national capital entered the severe plus category.

Smoke chamber! Delhi continues to suffer ‘Severe’ air quality levels, toxic smog persists

November 9, 2023, 10:55 am

Delhi’s AQI: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital continues to linger in the ‘severe’ category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Toxic smog persists across various areas, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 432 and RK Puram at 453, both falling under the ‘severe’ category. Punjab Bagh and ITO also report severe AQI levels at 444 and 441, respectively.

Residents express distress over the high pollution levels, citing burning sensations in their eyes and difficulty in breathing. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the severity, directs an immediate halt to stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

The Delhi government, in response to escalating concerns, decides to reintroduce the odd-even rule from November 13 to 20. A ban on truck traffic entry into Delhi, except for essential services, is part of the 8-point action plan. Noida and Ghaziabad suspend physical classes in schools until Friday, urging online alternatives due to worsening air quality.

Winter exacerbates pollution, trapping it in the cold air. Doctors emphasize the critical health risks, as the AQI surpasses 400, posing threats to those with lung-related diseases and even increasing the risk of lung cancer. The situation prompts urgent measures to address the alarming levels of air pollution in the capital.

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.

Air pollution is a ‘silent killer’, says doctors

November 6, 2022, 11:45 am

Delhi’s air quality on Saturday somewhat improved to the “very poor” category after two days of “severe” pollution levels. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 381, according to the daily bulletin published by the Central Pollution Control Board.

However, even this is enough for a young, healthy adult to develop respiratory complications, health experts said.

Pollution is a “silent killer,” according to Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS and head of the department of pulmonary medicine and sleep disorders. The rising levels of pollution in Delhi can be seen in the rise in patients at AIIMS who have respiratory disorders.

Coughing, sneezing, irritation of the airways, skin infections, and respiratory distress are only a few of the immediate effects of the continuous pollution spell over the Capital and the surrounding regions, according to Dr. Sumit Ray, head of the critical care department at Holy Family Hospital. The muscles in the airways that connect the windpipe to the lungs tighten as a result of chronic exposure to high pollution levels, he added, and this causes the airways to gradually constrict.

“Even for a healthy person, the long-term impact of such high and prolonged pollution can be serious. We have seen that if a healthy person is not a smoker, they are usually unlikely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but now we are commonly seeing this among non-smokers, and that could be attributed to pollution,” said Ray.

Dr Bhagwan Mantri, consultant pulmonologist and critical care specialist at Moolchand Hospital, said Delhi residents experience unsafe levels of pollution all year round. In winter, the episodes become more severe, Mantri said, adding that such prolonged exposure to high pollution levels, with episodic peaks that go to dangerous levels, leads over time to the weakening of a healthy person’s respiratory system.

According to health experts, particulate matter, which may enter the bloodstream and lungs and cause serious health problems, is the main cause of pollution in the Capital.

People who have recovered from Covid-19 have been cautioned by Dr. Deepak Gupta, professor of neurosurgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to take extra precautions during periods of high pollution levels.

“Not just relatively minor symptoms, such high pollution levels can trigger many more serious health complications, including lung cancer. Especially people who survived Covid-19 need to be careful,” Gupta said.

“Pollution harms people more than even cigarette smoke does. People must minimise their outdoor activities and exposure to high-pollution areas on days when pollution levels are at their highest. According to Guleria, the number of ailments brought on by pollution is rising,” Dr. Randeep Guleria said.

Delhi to witness light rain on Thursday; AQI in moderate category

October 6, 2022, 4:10 pm

Delhi’s air quality has been in moderate category on Thursday and light rain is expected in the region.The hourly air quality index (AQI) was 151, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.The average 24 hour AQI was at 211 on Wednesday.An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.The government’s monitoring agency System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research said dust (size > 2.5 micrometer) contributed ~ 55% to PM10 on Wednesday.They said, “For the next 3 days…peak wind speed is likely to be ~ 15-28 km/h causing moderate dispersion and AQI is likely to be within ‘Moderate’ due to expected light rain spells. Moderate temperature (~ 28-34 deg C) and mixing layer height (~ 1.5 km) maintains moderate ventilation.”Maximum temperature is likely to be at 33 degree Celsius and minimum is likely to be at 22 degree Celsius on Thursday.

GRAP may not be enforced by the Delhi government as rain is expected in Delhi

October 3, 2022, 11:40 am

Delhi authorities will likely hold off the enforcement of new Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) till at least 8 October as rainfall is expected in the national capital. The new Graded Response Action Plan can be enforced anytime after 1 October as soon as the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls in the “poor” category with the reading of ‘201’ or higher.According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 181 (moderate) on Sunday.It is expected to start improving gradually as light rain hits Delhi on Tuesday.An AQI reading between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”.The Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast for Monday shows clear sky with maximum temperature to be at 35 degree Celsius and minimum temperature to be at 23 degree Celsius. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded on Sunday was 34.7°C and 23.7°C, respectively.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light rain is expected over the Capital from 4 October to 8 October, due to a low-pressure area currently over the Bay of Bengal, which will gradually move towards northwest India. An official said, “This will bring moisture-laden easterly and southeasterly winds to the region, and, as the weather system moves closer to northwest India and Madhya Pradesh, the intensity of rain will increase.”According to the EWS forecast, Delhi’s AQI is likely to remain in the upper end of the “moderate” category on both Sunday and Monday, with little chances of it touching “poor”.

Delhi’s air quality recorded to be in moderate category; partly overcast weather expected

September 27, 2022, 11:19 am

Delhi’s air quality is in moderate category on Tuesday morning and the minimum and maximum temperature of the national capital is expected to be 23 degree Celsius and 33 degree Celsius, respectively.According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the hourly air quality index (AQI) was 106 at 7am on Tuesday. The average 24-hour AQI was 100 in the satisfactory category on Monday.An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.The Indian Meteorological Department said that on Monday, the minimum temperature was 22.7 degree Celsius, which is one degree below normal and maximum temperature was 33.4 degree Celsius, which is one degree below normal.

Intense rains in Delhi NCR to continue says IMD

September 23, 2022, 4:38 pm

Delhi NCR is witnessing intense rainfall for the last two days and it has brought a noticeable change in the temperature. The rains will continue in the coming days as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), India.
The continuous showers have waterlogged many areas causing traffic jams in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida regions.
The minimum temperature in Delhi, on Friday is supposed to be 23 degrees and the maximum temperature is predicted to be 28 degrees.
Concerning the waterlogged roads and intense traffic jams, the Gurugram administration issued an advisory asking private and corporate offices to work from home, while schools and colleges remained closed on Friday to avoid the hassle.
There has been a dip of seven degrees in the temperature in the NCR regions, making people feel the chill, especially during the night.
Even the air quality has improved so much in the city, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board. The AQI on Friday morning stood at 50, which is considered ‘very good.’

Light to moderate rain and gusty winds are expected to hit the national capital on Thursday

September 15, 2022, 10:22 am

Delhi has seen a marginal dip in the temperature on Thursday morning as the national capital has witnessed light to moderate rain and gusty winds with a speed of 30–40 km/h. This even resulted in an improvement in air quality, which was classified as satisfactory.

The maximum temperature is expected to be around 30°C while the minimum is to be 25°C, which when compared to Wednesday was 33.6°C and 26.4°C respectively.

RK Jenamani, India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist, said a depression that formed over Odisha and moved towards northwest India sent easterly winds with moisture towards Delhi-NCR and led to a three-day spell of rain. He said, “As this depression has moved closer, we are seeing the effect of these strong easterly winds, which has led to an increase in the speed of surface winds locally. The moisture is also leading to cloudy skies, which has led to a drop in the mercury. “

The intensity of rain will reduce from Friday evening, with no rain expected from September 17 to 20.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was at 63 on Thursday morning at 7 a.m.

The monitoring agency, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, said on Wednesday that the satisfactory level of AQI is expected to last till Saturday. They said, “For the next three days, peak wind speed is likely to be around 14–29 km/h, causing moderate dispersion and AQI is likely to be within the range of’satisfactory’ due to expected light/trace rain spells.”