INDIA POLLUTION CRISIS
2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley
Bengaluru, India's tech hub, faced a severe water crisis this summer due to a poor monsoon season and depleted groundwater. Residents relied on expensive water tankers, and fines were imposed for non-essential water use. The city's rapid, unplanned growth, including a 1,055% increase in built-up area, has led to a 70% decrease in water surface area, exacerbating the problem.
Could climate change unleash chaos in Bengaluru? Narayana Murthy¡¯s warning raises eyebrows
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has raised alarms about the potential impacts of climate change in India, specifically warning that rising temperatures could make rural areas uninhabitable, leading to mass migration to cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Speaking at an event in Pune, Murthy called for urgent collaboration between the corporate sector, politicians, and bureaucrats to address these challenges and prevent urban areas from becoming overburdened. He also stressed the need for greater environmental responsibility, particularly among India¡¯s youth.
We can breathe easy, but for how long?
Delhi's air quality improves slightly. The Supreme Court relaxes some restrictions. Authorities must continue to monitor pollution levels. Weather changes helped, not ground actions. The government plans to tackle air pollution. Thermal power plants are major polluters. A new technology could cut pollution from these plants. Real change requires action from big polluters.
Tech millionaire, who wants to live forever reveals: How Delhi hotels are 'selling clean air as a service'
As Delhi battles hazardous pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently in the "Very Poor" to "Severe Plus" range, five-star hotels have begun offering "clean air" as a premium service. Using advanced air filtration systems, hotels like The Oberoi and Taj Palace boast room AQIs as low as 2.4 and 58, compared to the city¡¯s AQI of nearly 400. While these services highlight the growing normalisation of pollution, they also underscore the disparity between access to basic needs for the wealthy versus the general population.
Indian-origin techie says even Bangalore is not safe to breathe amid alarming air pollution crisis in India
Indian-origin venture capitalist Debarghya "Deedy" Das sparked a debate on India¡¯s air quality, calling it a "massive health crisis." Sharing his experiences during visits to India, Das noted increased coughing, watery eyes, and clogged noses, which he said vanish when outside the country. Highlighting concerns during a recent Delhi wedding, he added that air quality issues extend beyond the capital, affecting cities like Bengaluru.
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Delhi Pollution Crisis: Despite slight increase in temperature, Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor'
Delhi¡¯s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'very poor' category for the eighth consecutive day with a reading of 329. Toxic foam engulfs Yamuna River, raising health concerns. BJP criticizes AAP government for misusing funds intended for pollution control and neglecting environmental management.
Delhi air quality fluctuates between 'Very Poor' and 'Severe'; AQI at 318
Delhi's air quality showed slight improvement on Sunday, moving from "severe" to "very poor" with an AQI of 318. This improvement follows a week of hazardous air quality, peaking at 495 last Monday. Vehicular emissions and stubble burning were identified as major contributors to the pollution. Despite the improvement, visibility remained low due to mist and smog.
Mounting economic costs of India's killer smog
Toxic smog engulfing north India is causing a health crisis and severely impacting the country's economy. Studies estimate annual losses of $95 billion due to reduced productivity, work absences, and premature deaths. The smog, attributed to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and farm fires, is particularly severe in Delhi, leading to business losses and impacting tourism.
How Delhi can learn from Beijing & London to combat air pollution
Delhi's annual winter smog crisis, while severe, is not insurmountable. Drawing inspiration from Beijing and London's successful anti-pollution efforts, the article highlights the importance of political will, tackling pollution at its source, and coordinated action.
Delhi tops polluted city list as air quality crisis persists in north India
Delhi's air quality plummeted this week, earning the title of India's most polluted city with a hazardous PM2.5 level of 243.3 g/m?. Experts attribute the surge to seasonal factors like cooler temperatures and reduced wind speeds, alongside vehicular and industrial emissions.
Delhi air quality dips back into 'severe' category; smog reduces visibility as AQI touches low levels
Delhi¡¯s air quality has once again plunged into the 'severe' category, with the AQI reaching 424 on Wednesday morning. The city continues to be engulfed by thick smog, disrupting daily life and causing delays in train services. A toxic foam has appeared in sections of the Yamuna River, highlighting the scale of pollution. Authorities have enacted Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including vehicle restrictions and school closures, while Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has urged for cloud seeding to combat the smog. The Supreme Court has also called for strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures.
Air pollution: As Delhi struggles to catch a breath, how are NCR cities faring? Check AQI for Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad
Delhi's air quality reached a hazardous 'severe plus' level, prompting school closures and emergency measures. The Supreme Court intervened, ordering strict enforcement of anti-pollution measures as the city grapples with dangerously high levels of pollutants.
Delhi barely livable: Shashi Tharoor criticises Centre over Delhi air pollution, calls govt 'unconscionable'
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the government over Delhi's severe air pollution, calling it the world's most polluted city and 'nearly uninhabitable.' He highlighted the lack of government action despite years of crisis. Schools in Delhi and Gurugram have shifted online due to hazardous air quality, while the Supreme Court advised wearing masks within its premises.
North India suffocates: Overrun hospitals, empty malls, cancelled flights ¡ª NCR under siege
North India, including Delhi-NCR, faced severe air pollution on Monday, with AQI levels reaching 500, triggering health emergencies, school closures, and work-from-home advisories. Hospitals reported a surge in heart attacks and asthma cases due to toxic air quality. Major cities like Patna, Lucknow, and Chandigarh also experienced hazardous air. The Delhi government imposed stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, grounding flights and affecting daily life.
Amid air pollution crisis, hospitals see rise in respiratory cases
Delhi hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory problems due to severe air pollution following Diwali. Doctors report increased cases of breathlessness, asthma, and COPD, with patient numbers exceeding the previous year. The elderly and those with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable, experiencing aggravated symptoms and requiring hospitalization.
Delhi¡¯s Air Crisis: A slow murder, Season 2 ¨C Why waiting for a 'firefighter' isn¡¯t enough
Delhi faces a severe air pollution crisis demanding immediate action. The Supreme Court criticizes authorities for delayed responses and emphasizes their duty to ensure a clean environment. While emergency measures are crucial, a proactive approach is vital to prevent such situations.
Hotel chains, travel bodies express concerns over rising pollution in North India
Advertising veteran Govind Pandey canceled his Delhi trip due to severe air pollution, highlighting the growing concerns about the city's air quality impacting tourism. Travel industry experts warn of potential booking cancellations and a negative image of India, as travelers seek alternative destinations with cleaner air.
AQI blues: What India can learn from China to curb air pollution
Delhi is experiencing severe air pollution due to crop residue burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities. The Supreme Court has criticized the Delhi government for its delayed response in implementing pollution control measures. The article compares Delhi's situation to Beijing's successful efforts in combating air pollution over the past decade, highlighting China's strict regulations, massive investments, and coordinated approach.
Amid worsening air pollution in North India, Punjab hits record number of farm fires this season
Punjab witnessed its highest single-day tally of farm fires this season on Monday, with 1,251 new incidents reported. The surge brings the total number of stubble-burning incidents in the state to 9,655, intensifying concerns about air quality and public health as winter approaches.
Delhi Airport hit by severe fog: Over 160 flights delayed, 11 cancelled, IndiGo, SpiceJet issue advisory
Dense fog in Delhi is causing significant disruptions at Indira Gandhi International Airport, leading to flight delays and diversions. Nine flights were diverted on Monday, and over 160 experienced delays due to poor visibility. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status and allow extra travel time.
Delhi Pollution: How thermal plants that power your homes can help you breathe easier with this new tech
A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that installing flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) systems in 12 coal-based thermal plants within a 300-km radius of Delhi could reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions by up to 67%. However, slow progress in implementing this technology, despite government directives, remains a challenge.
SC grills Delhi govt over pollution, asks not to go below GRAP-IV without its permission
New Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution, forcing authorities to implement emergency measures like shutting schools and halting construction. The hazardous smog, attributed to crop burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust, has significantly impacted visibility and public health, prompting calls for long-term solutions.
India, a war zone for foreign travellers
Severe air pollution in northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is causing significant concern. The pollution, worsened by factors like stubble burning and industrial emissions, is impacting visibility and posing health risks. While a government panel has been formed to address the issue, its effectiveness remains to be seen.
As Delhi grapples with severe air pollution, government imposes GRAP-3 to combat the crisis: How will it impact you?
The decision to invoke the third stage of GRAP was announced by Commission for Air Quality Management, hours after Delhi government claimed that air quality in the city could improve without the implementation of the response.
Smog so thick you can't see ahead: From flight operations to lung problems, how toxic air is disrupting India
Toxic smog has engulfed parts of India and Pakistan, severely impacting visibility and air quality. Lahore currently ranks as the world's most polluted city. The haze has caused flight delays, reduced visibility at landmarks like the Taj Mahal, and led to a surge in respiratory problems, particularly among children.
2000 AQI in Pakistan? NASA images reveal horrific smog engulfing Lahore and other cities
A thick smog, visible from space, has engulfed Pakistan's Punjab province, leading to record-high pollution levels and prompting strict government measures. Outdoor activities are banned, and shops face early closures as cities like Lahore battle hazardous air quality. The smog has caused a surge in respiratory illnesses and traffic accidents, raising concerns about public health.
Gurugram uses artificial rain to combat rising air pollution
Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has requested permission from the federal government to implement artificial rain to combat severe air pollution levels exceeding 400 AQI. The hazardous air quality has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, prompting concerns from health officials and residents.
Delhi wants artificial rain to tackle worsening air pollution
Delhi is experiencing severe air pollution, prompting the city government to consider artificial rain. The pollution, attributed to factors like vehicle emissions and farm fires, has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses. Hospitals report a significant increase in patients with conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
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