Delhi Ola-Uber Car Ban Amid AQI 440, Toxic Air Crisis Continues, Equivalent to Smoking 10 Cigarettes

Due to pollution, Delhi has imposed a ban on app-based taxis coming from other states. The Delhi government, citing Supreme Court orders, has restricted the entry of Ola, Uber, and other app-based taxis registered outside Delhi. Only Delhi-registered app-based taxis will be allowed to operate in the state.

Severe Air Quality Predicted in Delhi-NCR, No Relief from Pollution

The Ministry of Earth Sciences predicts severe air quality in Delhi-NCR for the next five days. There is no possibility of relief from pollution. On Thursday (November 9), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 440.

Nearby Cities Also Grappling with Poor Air Quality

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air in cities near Delhi is also highly polluted. The AQI on the same day was 450 in Greater Noida, 413 in Faridabad, 369 in Ghaziabad, 396 in Gurugram, and 394 in Noida. Dr. Rajesh Chawla of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital stated that breathing in Delhi-NCR is equivalent to smoking 10 cigarettes a day. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Winter Vacation Extended in Schools Due to Pollution

The Delhi government has announced winter vacations in schools from November 9 to 18 due to pollution. Normally, schools in Delhi have winter vacations between December and January, but this time, vacations are announced in November due to the prevailing pollution. The decision was made by the Delhi Education Department and announced on Wednesday (November 8). Primary schools in Delhi were already ordered to remain closed from November 10.

No Participation in International Trade Fair by 8 Countries

The impact of pollution is evident as eight countries have declined to participate in the International Trade Fair (IITF) scheduled in Delhi from November 14 to 27. A senior official of the IITF stated that 8 countries have refused to send their business delegations to Delhi due to the hazardous air quality.

Artificial Rainfall Event in Delhi on 21-22 November

To tackle pollution, the Kejriwal government is organizing artificial rainfall in the state from November 21 to 22. Environment Minister Gopal Rai mentioned during a meeting with scientists from IIT Kanpur on November 8 that when there is at least 40% humidity or moisture, artificial rainfall can be induced. The weather conditions for November 21-22 have been created for the event.

Odd-Even Scheme to be Implemented in Delhi After Supreme Court Order

The Delhi government has decided to implement the odd-even scheme from November 13, following the Supreme Court’s order. The effectiveness of the odd-even system will be reviewed by the Supreme Court. After receiving the Supreme Court’s order, the implementation will commence, and it is expected to provide relief from pollution. Earlier, on November 8, Environment Minister Gopal Rai had stated that the odd-even system has limited effectiveness. The Delhi government had initially announced the implementation of the odd-even scheme from November 13 to 20, and the decision was made public on November 7.

SC: Our Bulldozer Won’t Stop

The Supreme Court has directed the immediate halt of incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul stated that we cannot tolerate pollution and that Delhi cannot bear the brunt of this smoke in the coming years. If we go crazy, our bulldozer won’t stop. According to data from the Crop Residue Burning (CRB) Information and Management System, there has been a 35% increase in stubble burning in the first week of November compared to the same period last year. In 2022, there were 7,600 incidents of stubble burning in the first week of November, and this year, the number has risen to 11,790.

NGT Issues Notice to 7 States on Air Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra due to the increase in pollution in Delhi caused by stubble burning. NGT has demanded a response from all these states by November 10th to take strict measures to control pollution.

GRAP-IV Implemented in Delhi

Due to rising pollution, the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented in Delhi from November 5th. This includes a ban on the entry of commercial vehicles. Restrictions are imposed on the movement of trucks, except those supplying essential goods such as vegetables, fruits, medicines, CNG, and electric trucks. GRAP-IV is enforced when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the last stage, i.e., between 450 and 500. Along with GRAP-IV, the regulations of GRAP-I, II, and III are also in effect, including a ban on non-essential construction, BS-3 category petrol, and BS-4 category diesel vehicles.

Weather Changes in Haryana from Tonight: Strong Winds with Dust, Improvement in AQI

Weather changes are expected in Haryana from the night before Diwali, i.e., November 9th. Some districts in the state may experience strong winds with dust. On November 10th, there is a possibility of light rainfall in some places.

Taj Mahal Not Visible in Agra Due to Smog, Air Quality Deteriorates in 9 Cities of UP

As Diwali approaches, the air quality in Uttar Pradesh’s 9 cities is deteriorating. Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida are among the areas facing a significant risk of air pollution.

SC: Our Bulldozer Won’t Stop

The Supreme Court has directed the immediate halt of incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul stated that we cannot tolerate pollution and that Delhi cannot bear the brunt of this smoke in the coming years. If we go crazy, our bulldozer won’t stop. According to data from the Crop Residue Burning (CRB) Information and Management System, there has been a 35% increase in stubble burning in the first week of November compared to the same period last year. In 2022, there were 7,600 incidents of stubble burning in the first week of November, and this year, the number has risen to 11,790.

NGT Issues Notice to 7 States on Air Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra due to the increase in pollution in Delhi caused by stubble burning. NGT has demanded a response from all these states by November 10th to take strict measures to control pollution.

Weather Changes in Haryana from Tonight: Strong Winds with Dust, Improvement in AQI

Weather changes are expected in Haryana from the night before Diwali, i.e., November 9th. Some districts in the state may experience strong winds with dust. On November 10th, there is a possibility of light rainfall in some places.

Taj Mahal Not Visible in Agra Due to Smog, Air Quality Deteriorates in 9 Cities of UP

As Diwali approaches, the air quality in Uttar Pradesh’s 9 cities is deteriorating. Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida are among the areas facing a significant risk of air pollution.