INCREASED AIR POLLUTION
How to check AQI in your city and protect yourself from rising air pollution: 5 essential tips to follow
Checking the Air Quality Index is crucial for understanding pollution levels and health impacts. Individuals with respiratory issues need to be especially cautious about outdoor activities during high AQI readings. Keeping windows closed and using air purifiers can help minimize indoor pollution exposure. Avoiding smoky environments and limiting time near busy roads can protect health significantly.
Delhi’s Diwali pollution started before the fireworks. What five years of action have achieved
Delhi’s air was already severely polluted before Diwali, with average PM2.5 levels in the week before the festival reaching 236 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly double the 2025 level, according to CSE. The findings suggest firecrackers and stubble burning worsen an existing crisis rather than create it, with vehicles, industry, construction, waste burning and pollution from neighbouring NCR districts keeping baseline pollution high.
Delhi's air woes drive demand for hill getaways, resort stays
Hotels and alternative accommodations are reporting increased bookings from Delhi as air quality deteriorates. Popular destinations for travelers include the hills for cleaner air and cooler weather. Younger travelers are opting for short getaways to leisure destinations nearby. Remote workers are also seeking overseas trips during this polluted period. Overall, there is a noticeable rise in demand for escapes from the city.
Delhi AQI today: Air quality improves to 'poor' category, no station records 'severe' levels; check IMD weather forecast and other details
Delhi air pollution news: Air quality in Delhi showed improvement as the AQI dropped below 300 on Wednesday. The city had been experiencing very poor and severe air quality previously. Data from 59 monitoring stations indicated that 29 stations recorded very poor levels. An increase in wind speed is anticipated to lead to further improvement in air quality.
Pakistan blames India's Diwali fireworks for Lahore's toxic air
The northern Pakistani city of Lahore topped Swiss group IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities for a second day on Tuesday, with an air quality index (AQI) of 263, categorised as "very unhealthy".
India's water journey a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Programme, are gaining international recognition. Senior officials at the World Bank have praised these efforts as models for developing countries. The upcoming United Nations Water Conference will highlight India's achievements and encourage knowledge sharing. India is actively preparing for the conference, emphasizing its role in global water security discussions.
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Delhi's Diwali pollution puzzle: Updated data shows massive spikes, gaps remain
On Diwali night, alarming gaps in air quality monitoring data raised serious concerns about pollution levels in Delhi. Some monitoring stations displayed particulate matter levels far exceeding prescribed limits. The Central Pollution Control Board revealed data omissions during the critical pollution period.
Delhi pollution: Supreme Court flags rising vehicle emissions, seeks crackdown plan from 4 states
The Supreme Court has flagged rising vehicular emissions as an urgent concern in the Delhi-NCR pollution crisis, seeking action plans from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. It has sought details of enforcement against over-age and non-compliant vehicles, inter-state coordination and a time-bound roadmap to strengthen emission checks.
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.
Heat-trapping carbon pollution drops, but scientists cite the Iran war rather than energy progress
This year, global carbon emissions fell by 0.4%, driven by oil supply disruptions from the conflict in Iran. While oil and natural gas emissions experienced notable declines, there was a small uptick in coal emissions. Experts caution that these improvements may not be guaranteed, attributing them primarily to external influences.
Delhi AQI today: National captial's air quality improves but remains in 'very poor' category; check IMD weather forecast and other details
Delhi pollution latest news: Delhi experienced marginal improvement in air quality as AQI levels decreased after Diwali celebrations. The Air Quality Index recorded a reading of 304 at one point, down from earlier figures. Despite this, pollution remained in the 'very poor' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The government's emergency action plan continues to be enforced to tackle rising pollution levels.
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.
1,200 stubble burning locations on Diwali: Delhi Minister Mishra alleges conspiracy against farmers, against Delhi and Punjab
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has claimed a conspiracy related to the spike in stubble burning incidents during Diwali. He stated that farmers in Punjab reported fires in their fields while they celebrated the festival. Satellite data revealed a dramatic rise in stubble burning locations from November 7 to November 8. Mishra has called for investigations into potential involvement by Aam Aadmi Party leaders.
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.
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.
Delhi AQI today: National capital wakes up to toxic air on Diwali, over 24 stations record AQI over 400; check IMD's weather forecast and more
Delhi weather news: Delhi continues to face very poor air quality with an AQI of 384 recorded on Diwali morning. Several monitoring stations registered AQI levels exceeding 400, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest PM2.5 level. As air pollution worsens, schools in Delhi and neighboring NCR cities will conduct hybrid classes for younger students. The government has invoked Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan for pollution control.
Surge in air purifier sales in India as pollution levels rise during winter season 2023
Air purifier sales have increased substantially in India as pollution levels rise and winter approaches. Quick-commerce platforms are experiencing heightened demand, especially from Tier 2 cities. Sales of air purifiers on Amazon have reportedly doubled recently, indicating a surge in consumer interest. Additionally, the overall market for winter appliances is projected to grow significantly this season. Analysts expect online sales to climb further as consumers continue to make purchases.
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.
As Delhi AQI worsens, govt conducts two cloud-seeding trials at 30,000 metre height to explore artificial rain
Delhi Cloud Seeding News: The Delhi government has conducted two rounds of cloud-seeding trials near IGI Airport in the last 15 days to explore artificial rain as a possible solution to rising air pollution. The trials took place at an altitude of around 30,000 metre, compared with 10,000 metre during last year's experiments. More trials are likely after Diwali and Chhath. The government had earlier conducted cloud-seeding experiments with IIT Kanpur in October 2025, but those operations did not produce rainfall.
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 AQI today: National capital's air remains toxic, crosses 400 AQI mark in Jahangirpuri, IIT Delhi and other regions
Delhi AQI news: Delhi continues to experience severe air quality, recording an average Air Quality Index of 368. High pollution levels are noted in various areas, with Jahangirpuri and IIT Delhi significantly impacted. Main pollutants are PM2.5 and PM10, with transport emissions and stubble burning as leading contributors. The city is currently under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan.
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.
Get ready to pay double for parking in Delhi: MCD plans to hike charges at 400 parking lots under GRAP-II; what two-wheeler and car owners need to know
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is likely to double parking charges at around 400 surface parking lots from Wednesday under GRAP-II pollution-control measures. The proposal is awaiting clearance from the civic body's law department and the competent authority. Currently, MCD charges Rs 20 per hour for four-wheelers and Rs 10 for two-wheelers.
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.
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