POLLUTION IMPACT
Delhi's November PM2.5 level reaches highest monthly average in 8 years despite GRAP: Report
Delhi's PM2.5 levels in November 2024 hit the highest average since 2017 despite GRAP measures and reduced stubble burning incidents. The average concentration was 249 micrograms per cubic metre. The report shows 159 out of 268 Indian cities exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5. This highlights the significant need for long-term strategies against pollution.
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.
Nitin Gadkari confesses why he does not want to visit Delhi
Union minister Nitin Gadkari dislikes visiting Delhi because of the high pollution levels, which often cause him infections. He suggests reducing fossil fuel consumption to tackle pollution. Delhi's air quality slightly improved with an AQI of 274, marking the third day of relief. Gadkari also pointed out the need to address poverty, hunger, and unemployment in India.
Delhi breathes easier as AQI improves slightly
Delhi's air quality improved slightly but remained in the 'poor' category with an AQI of 273 on Monday morning. This improvement followed 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality. Experts attributed this change to dry northwesterly winds and ample sunlight. The air quality remains harmful to sensitive groups.
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's business suffers Rs 2,500-crore blow amid pollution, GRAP-4 restrictions: CTI
Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has caused a significant business loss of Rs 2,500 crore over the past month. The ban on commercial vehicles and reduced market visitors have hit trade, industry, and tourism hard. The toxic air quality has deterred shoppers and postponed events. Construction work bans have delayed projects and traders are urging authorities to address the crisis.
- Go To Page 1
Delhi pollution: As schools reopen, here are some strategies for parents to protect kids from air pollution
Amidst worsening air quality, safeguarding children's health demands immediate action. Experts urge parents to monitor AQI, utilize air purifiers, and ensure children wear masks. Limiting strenuous outdoor activities, collaborating with schools, and promoting healthy habits are crucial.
70% decrease in Punjab's stubble burning incidents: Report in NGT
Punjab significantly reduced stubble burning incidents in 2024. The state managed almost 20 million tonnes of paddy straw using various methods. Over 6 million tonnes were managed through methods like baling and raking. The agriculture department will analyze equipment needs for 2025. They will then create an action plan and request funding.
Neat neighbourhood, higher property price
Zerodha CEO, Nithin Kamath, suggests linking property values with air and water quality to encourage environmental responsibility. He argues that connecting personal finances to environmental health could motivate communities to prioritize clean air and water initiatives, shifting focus from GDP to natural resource preservation.
Piyush Goyal urges Credai to assess construction's impact on air quality, prioritise affordable rental housing
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed Credai on their 25th anniversary. He requested a team to study construction's effect on air quality in major cities. Goyal suggested exploring better building methods for faster construction and business growth. He also emphasized affordable rental housing to eliminate slums. The government is ready to support such initiatives.
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.
Farmers shift stubble burning to late afternoon to evade satellite detection; DSS unveils new plan for monitoring
To combat Delhi's air pollution, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) is upgrading its stubble burning monitoring system. The new system will utilize Indian or Korean satellites that provide more frequent data, addressing the issue of farmers burning stubble later in the day to avoid detection by American satellites.
Pollution Level: More trees won't cancel out your SUV emissions
Scientists are raising the alarm about the over-reliance on natural carbon sinks to achieve net-zero emissions. They argue that this approach, while stabilizing atmospheric CO2, won't stop global warming and allows continued fossil fuel use. The solution, they say, lies in 'Geological Net Zero,' which emphasizes permanent carbon storage and reduces dependence on finite natural resources.
Don't bank much on exports under Donald Trump amid trade slowdown: CEA Anantha Nageswaran
India's Chief Economic Advisor, V Anantha Nageswaran, cautioned that the country needs to brace itself for potential increases in US tariffs and a slowdown in global export growth. Nageswaran highlighted that while the exact impact of US tariffs remains uncertain, India's trade surplus with the US could lead to pressure.
Air Pollution: Production at 3.4 M MSMEs hit in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi
Severe smog in north India is disrupting factory production, causing supply chain delays and reducing worker efficiency. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that over 3.4 million businesses are affected, prompting companies to implement mitigation measures like air purification and worker safety gear.
Malls, restaurants worried over dip in footfall due to pollution
North Indian malls are battling pollution woes. Footfalls are down as shoppers prefer to stay indoors. Malls are using advanced filtration systems to maintain safe air quality. Restaurants are hit hard, with weekend bookings and outdoor events being cancelled. The food services industry, already grappling with inflation, faces a double whammy.
Lenskart¡¯s rising valuation; consumption slump at new-age firms
Happy Tuesday! Lenskart is closing a new funding round that could significantly boost its valuation, sources tell us. This and more in today¡¯s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Quick commerce players face delivery hurdles as smog discourages workers, cuts down on manpower
Delivery services in north India, particularly in Delhi-NCR, are experiencing a surge in orders due to severe smog and pollution. The increase in demand is coupled with a shortage of delivery personnel, as many are hesitant to work outdoors in hazardous air quality.
Flight operations hit at Delhi Airport as smog hinders visibility
Dense smog wreaked havoc at Delhi airport, causing significant flight disruptions on Monday. Over 400 departing flights were delayed, and 15 were canceled due to poor visibility. Arriving flights also experienced delays and cancellations, with some diversions to other cities. The disruptions highlight the impact of pollution and fog on air travel during Delhi's winter season.
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.
Air purifier, mask sales up as Delhi-NCR grapples with severe air pollution
As Delhi battles hazardous air quality reaching the 'severe plus' category, residents are rushing to purchase air purifiers and masks. Dealers report sales of air purifiers doubling, with some seeing a 70% surge. Pharmacies also note a significant increase in demand for pediatric nebulizers, inhalers, and masks, highlighting the alarming impact of pollution on public health.
Haryana authorises DCs to temporarily shut schools till Class 5 in wake of rising pollution
Due to escalating pollution levels, Haryana's government has granted authority to deputy commissioners to temporarily suspend physical classes for students up to Class 5. This decision comes as several regions in Haryana experience 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality, prompting a shift to online classes to safeguard children's health.
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.
Pakistan bans entry to parks, zoos as air pollution worsens
Pakistan's Punjab province has banned entry to public spaces like parks and zoos until November 17th due to severe air pollution. Lahore, the provincial capital, has been ranked as the world's most polluted city, leading to school closures and work-from-home orders. The government blames toxic air from neighboring India, where crop burning contributes to hazardous air quality.
Delhi AQI today: Smog blankets city, visibility impacted due to pollution
Delhi pollution news: Delhi experienced its eighth consecutive day of 'very poor' air quality, with AQI reaching 383, causing low visibility. Despite health risks and a court ban due to toxic foam in the Yamuna River, devotees celebrated Chhath Puja, prompting concerns and calls for inter-state pollution control measures.
From sore throats to burning eyes: 7 in 10 Delhi-NCR families feel the effects of pollution, new survey shows
A new survey shows that 69% of families in Delhi and NCR report health problems due to severe pollution following Diwali, with the AQI reaching an alarming 999. Key symptoms include sore throats and eye irritation. Responses vary, with some families opting to use air purifiers, while others choose to cope without intervention. The findings underscore the pressing need for effective public health measures in the face of ongoing air quality issues.
Delhi's AQI can increase by 104 points ¡ª Thanks to the farm fires
Air pollution: A study reveals that rice stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly increases Delhi's air pollution. Despite a drop in farm fires, Delhi struggles with poor air quality due to winter meteorology. The study suggests collaboration and better communication among stakeholders, promoting practices like mulching and organic farming to mitigate stubble burning effects.
Power plants may not need to install Sulphur removing gear as study shows emissions are not impacting air quality
India is considering halting the installation of new flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units at public sector coal-based power plants as a study by CSIR-Neeri found sulphur dioxide emissions from these plants do not significantly impact ambient air quality. The move aims to manage power generation costs.
Yamuna river froth contains harmful organic matter that releases volatile gases directly into atmosphere, warns expert
Experts express alarm over the toxic white froth in the Yamuna River, which contains harmful organic matter, releasing volatile gases and forming secondary organic aerosols. This froth also depletes dissolved oxygen, endangering aquatic life. Solutions include increased wastewater treatment and stricter industrial waste regulation.
Load More
