POLLUTION DELHI
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.
Stubble burning cases cross 3,000 mark in Punjab; Tarn Taran tops list
Punjab has recorded 3,144 incidents of stubble burning between September 15 and November 6, with Tarn Taran as the highest contributor. Fines totaling Rs 54.55 lakh have been imposed in over a thousand cases related to these incidents. Authorities have registered 795 FIRs under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita during this period as well. The practice of stubble burning is often linked to increased air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Delhi schools to hold classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode as pollution worsens
The Delhi Directorate of Education has mandated that all schools offer hybrid classes for students up to class 5. This decision comes in response to the deteriorating air quality in the national capital. Classes will allow for both in-person and online attendance to accommodate students' needs. School heads must notify parents and guardians about these arrangements promptly. Education officials will visit schools to ensure the implementation of these new directives.
Delhi AQI today: National capital’s air continues to remain toxic, AQI crosses 400 at over 22 stations; check IMD weather forecast and AQI
Delhi air pollution news: Delhi is experiencing a serious decline in air quality with an AQI reading of 365. As Diwali approaches, pollution levels may increase due to firecracker use and stubble burning. The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented stage three measures to manage air quality. Forecasts indicate continued poor air quality, likely reaching severe levels from November 7 to 9.
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.
SC questions recurring Delhi-NCR pollution, flags vehicle emissions as major contributor
The Supreme Court has raised concerns over recurring air pollution in Delhi-NCR, identifying vehicular emissions as a major contributor and questioning why the AQI continues to approach 400 despite regulatory measures. The bench also called for changes in festival practices and economic incentives to discourage stubble burning.
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Diwali Dabba appreciation
Mr. Sharma discovered that a box of dry fruits he received yearly from his neighbor contained old almonds, which he humorously claimed had turned into badam barfis. Meanwhile, an environmentalist attempted to celebrate Diwali pollution-free while his neighbor set off fireworks, leading to a sarcastic police response that targeted mosquitoes instead.

Delhi air pollution: GRAP 3 restrictions kick in ahead of Diwali; what's allowed and what's banned
Delhi-NCR has invoked GRAP Stage III restrictions ahead of Diwali as pollution levels worsened, with the capital's AQI reaching 382. The curbs include restrictions on older vehicles, construction and dust-generating activities, while essential projects, additional Metro services and buses can continue under prescribed measures.

Delhi pollution: Supreme Court to go by expert opinion on plea for online classes if AQI rises
Supreme Court is evaluating expert opinions concerning potential school closures amid worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR. The average Air Quality Index has been categorized as 'very poor', with severe pollution levels reported in many areas. Authorities have noted that vehicular emissions significantly contribute to the region's pollution crisis. The implementation of measures, including truck-mounted water sprinklers, is part of the effort to improve air quality.

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.

Delhi AQI today: Air quality remains very poor, one station records satisfactory; Smog covers Delhi-NCR areas like Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad
AQI today: Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 389 on November 6, falling in the Very Poor category, while station-wise readings showed pollution levels varying across the city. CRRI Mathura Road recorded the highest station AQI at 261, followed by Jahangirpuri, Rohini, Mundka and Dwarka Sector 8. The report also covers readings from other monitoring stations across Delhi.

Delhi's AQI 'very poor' for fourth day, set to get 'severe'
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 369 at 4 pm on Thursday, compared to 377 recorded at the same time on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

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 winter pollution curbs kick off with Rs 68.4 lakh in fines, 1,539 vehicles turned back on day one
The Winter Action Plan kicked off successfully in Delhi, with enforcement teams collecting fines of Rs 68.4 lakh on day one. A total of 14,930 vehicles underwent inspection, with 1,539 turned back and 566 challans issued for pollution discrepancies. In their efforts to mitigate dust pollution, officials examined 300 construction sites, resulting in Rs 9.8 lakh levied for infractions.

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 air quality remains 'very poor' to 'hazardous', AQI touches 428
Delhi is facing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index ranging from hazardous to severe. Several areas, including Akshardham Temple and ITO, recorded AQI values in the 'Very Poor' category. Enforcement teams are actively checking vehicles and inspecting construction sites to mitigate pollution. The Delhi Traffic Police have intensified restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan to control the situation.

BS-IV vehicles barred, WFH mandates, construction ban: Delhi’s winter pollution crackdown begins
Delhi has introduced measures to address winter air pollution, including vehicle restrictions and construction curbs. Many government and private offices will operate with a 50% capacity requirement to reduce emissions. Restrictions will apply to older vehicles and dust-generating construction activities during this period. Schools have also been instructed to implement dust-control measures and promote public transport. Authorities plan to monitor compliance with these pollution curbing measures across the region.

Delhi pollution restrictions from November 1: 50% WFH, parking charges to double, vehicle curbs and more; check full list under winter action plan
Delhi vehicle restrictions from November 1: The Delhi government will enforce various anti-pollution measures to improve air quality from November 1. From restricting older vehicles to banning dust-generating construction activities, the government has launched a winter action plan to combat the air pollution that chokes the city annually. Under the restrictions, parking charges will double to discourage the use of private vehicles and encourage public transport usage. Additionally, a 50% work-from-home policy will also be implemented in government and private offices during the winter months.

High Court refuses urgent listing of plea against ban on non BS VI vehicles in Delhi from Nov 1
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea challenging the ban on non-BS VI vehicles entering the city. This regulation is set to begin on November 1 and affects many individuals traveling from NCR. The court found no urgency or issues with the decision made by the Delhi government. The restriction aims to combat persistent air pollution caused by vehicular emissions in Delhi.

Delhi-NCR pollution: CAQM orders construction ban, 50% work-from-home from November 5 to 20
The Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented a ban on construction activities in Delhi-NCR from November 5 to 20. This measure aims to combat the worsening air quality in the region during this period. Additionally, government and private offices in Delhi and surrounding areas should allow up to 50% of their employees to work from home.

Delhi gears up for pollution curbs from Nov 1; vehicle restrictions, construction ban among measures
Delhi is preparing to implement various measures aimed at reducing air pollution starting from November 1. Restrictions on certain vehicles, a ban on dust-generating construction, and increased parking charges will be enforced. The entry of vehicles not meeting BS-VI emission standards will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31.

Delhi air pollution: How to fight toxic air and protect the city’s trees amid worsening air quality
Delhi's escalating pollution crisis has dire implications for both its inhabitants and its trees. Toxic air diminishes chlorophyll production and hinders moisture retention in greenery. While species like neem and amaltas exhibit resilience to pollution, they urgently require safeguarding. Prioritising public transport enhancements, rigorous dust management, and eliminating open burning will be vital.
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