HEALTH EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION
Delhi air pollution: Health experts warn of health risks as even healthy people report symptoms
Doctors from AIIMS and Apollo Hospitals report that Delhi's severe air pollution causes respiratory issues among healthy individuals. Dr. Vijay Hadda emphasizes that green crackers only partially mitigate harmful emissions from conventional firecrackers. Young people aged 20-50 are also complaining of symptoms, indicating widespread health effects. Continuous exposure to high pollution levels can lead to persistent symptoms appearing within hours.
47 out of 50 most polluted cities of the world in India, Delhi gets a high rank
According to live air quality rankings, India has 47 of the world's 50 most polluted cities. Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan is the most polluted city globally, recording an alarming AQI of 671. Following closely are several cities from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with AQIs exceeding 300. Delhi ranks 13th in the world, highlighting the widespread air quality crisis in northern India.
We had got things so wrong on pollution
Firecrackers are continuously burst during Diwali, contributing to significant air pollution in India. This practice leads to toxic air conditions that affect public health. Recent evaluations showed that 99 out of the world's 100 most polluted cities are in India. The cultural significance of these practices has overshadowed the health implications associated with them. Ultimately, the trend reveals a collective indifference toward pollution and its harmful effects.
Mumbai and Thane authorities ground aerial firecrackers after Diwali blazes
Authorities in Mumbai and Thane implemented a ban on aerial firecrackers following a significant rise in fire incidents. Reports indicate that the Mumbai Fire Brigade responded to numerous fire calls, primarily due to firecrackers. This ban aims to prevent fire hazards, especially from falling embers onto flammable materials. Violators of the ban may face legal consequences under the Disaster Management Act.
How to protect yourself from rising air pollution and smog: 6 practical tips and guide to choosing the right air purifier
Rising air pollution and smog affect daily life in India, particularly during winter months. Taking precautions such as wearing masks can help mitigate exposure to polluted air. Keeping windows and doors closed is essential during times of severe pollution. Regular home cleaning and avoiding indoor burning can improve indoor air quality effectively. Choosing the right air purifier involves considering room size, filter costs, and energy consumption.
- Go To Page 1
Air quality deteriorates in north India post-Diwali; Delhi records highest AQI since 2021
A significant increase in air pollution was observed across north India following the recent Diwali celebrations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh surpassed 350, indicating poor air quality. Many cities reported severe pollution, with readings at 439 recorded at Delhi Technological University. Residents experienced health issues such as breathing difficulties and eye irritation after the celebrations.
'Data eclipse': Questions over Delhi AQI data as several monitoring stations go offline on Diwali night
Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years, with the average AQI touching 376, but questions have emerged over the reliability of official data after 36 of its 59 monitoring stations stopped reporting readings at 1 am during peak pollution hours. Private platforms reported significantly higher pollution levels, with AQI.in recording a peak of 2,283.
India's invisible pain: The dirt in the air comes with a hefty price tag for economy and businesses
Severe pollution plaguing Indian cities is taking a toll on businesses. Restrictions placed on construction and transportation impede the movement of goods, leading to increased operational expenses. Many consumers are opting out of outdoor activities due to dangerous air quality, resulting in a drop in sales and foot traffic.
Delhi's post-Diwali smog puts Rekha Gupta & Co's clean-air promise to test
Delhi's air quality has recently deteriorated, reaching a severe level of 370 on November 9. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government is facing scrutiny over its clean-air promises amidst worsening conditions. Despite various pollution-control measures, including a winter action plan, the situation remains dire as the season intensifies. Punjab has also reported a significant number of stubble-burning incidents contributing to regional pollution.
AQI: Delhi at 743, Lucknow at 493, Indore at 449 after Diwali; check AQI across major Indian cities
AQI near me: Air quality in numerous Indian cities has taken a severe downturn after Diwali festivities, leading to alarming pollution levels. Delhi recorded a staggering AQI of 743, marking it as hazardous. Nearby cities, including Lucknow, Indore, and Pune, fared poorly as well, with AQIs ranging from 412 to 493. Meanwhile, Chennai and Ahmedabad experienced unhealthy air conditions, but their pollution levels remained lower. Elevated concentrations of PM2.
Congress slams Modi govt for being in 'denial' on impact of air pollution on mortality
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Modi government for denying air pollution's significant mortality impact. He referred to a FICCI-EY report indicating around 2 million death cases linked to pollution in 2023. The report urges reforms like tightening PM2.5 and ozone standards to WHO levels for better public health. Ramesh emphasized the need for revamping the National Clean Air Programme to address these alarming issues.
Delhi AQI at 3,000 or 300? Why different apps are showing different pollution levels
Delhi's air pollution readings have sparked confusion as government and independent monitoring platforms report sharply different AQI figures, ranging from the 300s to over 3,000. Differences in AQI calculation methods, averaging periods, monitoring networks and sensor technology explain why apps show varying numbers. Here's why Delhi's AQI readings differ and how PM2.5 levels can provide a clearer picture of air pollution.
Congress' Ajay Maken flags missing PM2.5 data at 25 Delhi stations on Diwali night
Ajay Maken raised concerns about the lack of PM2.5 data at 25 air quality monitoring stations on Diwali night. He noted that pollution levels averaged 38.4 times the World Health Organisation's limit at the remaining stations. Maken emphasized that this inconsistency affects the accuracy of pollution data and trends. The Air Quality Index in Delhi has deteriorated significantly following Diwali celebrations.
Delhi AQI today: Air pollution readings turns severe after Diwali bursts: Check area-wise levels here
Delhi AQI Live: Delhi's air quality turned into severe category on November 9, 2026, following Diwali celebrations and firecracker bursts. While the official citywide AQI stood at 372, several monitoring stations across the national capital recorded readings above 400, placing them in the Severe category. Here's a look at the latest Delhi AQI, area-wise pollution readings and reasons behind the post-Diwali deterioration.
Ground floor residents breathe cleaner air: Upper floors in high-rise apartments record 40% more pollution and toxic air, study finds
Residents on the ground floors of high-rise buildings may be breathing cleaner air than those living several floors above them, with upper levels recording up to 40% higher particulate pollution, a Mumbai study has found. Researchers monitoring residential towers in Wadala linked the pattern to industrial emissions and swirling wind currents around tall buildings.
Nov-Jan ban on non-Delhi vehicles below BS-VI standards to be in force every year
Delhi government plans to ban non-Delhi-registered vehicles below BS-VI emission standards beginning November 1. This ban will continue annually until January 31 to improve air quality. Vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas or electric power are exempted from these restrictions. The transport department is enforcing rules with 250 personnel at key entry points across the city. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented emergency measures due to severe pollution levels.
ET Graphics: Smog season is here, again
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated, as pollution levels reached alarming rates in neighbouring cities as well. Major factors contributing to this situation include vehicle emissions and agricultural fires from nearby states. Forecasts indicate that pollution may worsen due to drifting smog from western Uttar Pradesh by November 8. Recent data shows 58 cities across India reported poor air quality, highlighting a broader national crisis. Additionally, India's average PM2.
Diwali 2026: You can't control outdoor air pollution, but 6 things you can do to improve indoor air quality during Diwali firecracker season without an air purifier
Diwali festivities, while joyous, often contribute to heightened air pollution from firecrackers and outdoor emissions. To combat indoor air quality issues during this period, consider keeping windows shut and steering clear of incense burning to minimize smoke. Regular cleaning and maintaining home appliances can effectively reduce dust buildup. Although indoor plants add a touch of beauty, they don't significantly enhance air quality throughout Diwali.
Happy polluted Diwali! Get ready for severe air pollution as AQI monitoring agency sounds warning this year
Delhi AQI News: Get ready for severely polluted Delhi this year as the national capital is likely to face severe air pollution this year, with AQI forecast to cross 400. Stubble burning, firecracker emissions and unfavourable weather conditions could worsen the capital's air quality, raising concerns about another post-Diwali pollution spike.
Punjab government 'misleading' people on issue of stubble burning: Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa criticized the Punjab government for misleading the public regarding stubble burning, linking a rise in farm fires to deteriorating air quality in the capital. He called out Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's false claims and highlighted the failure to provide solutions for farmers, while asserting that pollution was exacerbated by smoke from Punjab.
Delhi air turns hazardous; AQI touches 605, GRAP-II vehicle curb enforced at Gurgaon border
Delhi AQI: Among the worst-affected locations, Punjabi Bagh recorded an AQI of 452, followed by Dhaula Kuan at 417, ITO at 418, RK Puram at 423 and Ghazipur at 410. The air quality around India Gate stood at 414, with all these locations falling in the severe category.
Construction, demolition activities banned in Gurugram amid pollution; check dates, WFH mandates & more
Gurugram's administration has announced a ban on construction and demolition activities to combat rising air pollution. This ban will be effective from November 5 to 20 and affects various projects. Both government and private offices are allowed 50 percent of staff to work physically. Exemptions include essential services and infrastructure projects related to railways, metro, and hospitals.
GRAP II imposed in Delhi with immediate effect amid 'very poor' air quality; check key restrictions
GRAP Stage II has been implemented in Delhi-NCR due to a significant decline in air quality. The Commission for Air Quality Management reported an increase in the AQI from 117 to 324 recently. These figures indicate a shift to the 'very poor' category following unfavorable weather conditions. Authorities will now intensify measures to reduce dust pollution and promote public transportation.
Delhi's AQI hits 451 ahead of Diwali, GRAP-II curbs enforced across NCR
Delhi air quality: Air quality in Delhi deteriorated significantly as the overall AQI reached severe levels before Diwali. Several areas reported their highest AQI levels, including Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, and Bawana. In response to the worsening pollution, authorities invoked Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan across the National Capital Region. Civic bodies and police have been directed to enhance enforcement and manage pollution hotspots effectively.
Delhi Metro announces 20 additional trips on weekdays amid GRAP-II curbs
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will operate 20 additional train trips on weekdays. This initiative increases total extra services to 40 amidst rising air pollution concerns. The Commission for Air Quality Management has activated Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan across Delhi-NCR. Measures include promoting public transport usage to reduce vehicular emissions and dust pollution control.
Diwali firecracker curbs: SC sets two time periods for fireworks, bans bursting near hospitals
The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali on specific dates. Firecrackers must not be used near hospitals, old-age homes, or designated silence zones. The court mandated that only certified green firecrackers may be manufactured and sold. Strict measures against unauthorized firecracker sales will be enforced to manage pollution concerns. A complete ban on firecrackers will be reinstated after November 9, 2026.
Delhi's decades-long battle against air pollution: From dusty skies to AI-powered monitoring
Delhi has faced significant air pollution issues, prompting numerous studies and legal actions over the decades. Interventions such as the shift to CNG buses and the implementation of the odd-even scheme aimed to reduce emissions. The Supreme Court and various agencies have consistently pushed for improved air quality regulations and monitoring. Recent technological advances include AI-powered cameras and additional air quality monitoring stations across the city.
Load More
