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Elevated ranges of poisonous gases in smog, along with particulate matter, says CSE

Common every day contribution of stubble fireplace smoke from mid-October to early November lowest within the final 4 years Photograph: Vikas Choudhary / CSE It isn’t simply particulate matter (PM) that has been excessive throughout north India within the first smog episode of this winter season. The degrees of poisonous gases like ozone and carbon monoxide have additionally breached secure limits, in response to an evaluation by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Atmosphere (CSE). Ozone ranges have damaged information at ozone hotspots in Delhi, in response to an announcement by CSE. Carbon monoxide (CO) has additionally exceeded common ranges. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) ranges have mimicked the pattern of PM2.5 however haven’t breached the usual. Avikal Somvanshi, programme supervisor and skilled at CSE’s Sustainable Cities Programme, mentioned: Whereas very excessive concentrations of PM2.5 have hogged consideration, the degrees of gases — ozone, CO or nitrogen dioxide (NO2) — have remained elevated throughout this smog episode. Additionally, the ratio of SO2 to NO2 elevated on Diwali night time indicating elevated air pollution load from firecrackers. The PM2.5 focus on Diwali night time (8 pm-8 am) has been probably the most intense since 2017. One other essential discovering of the evaluation is that on a mean, the contribution of smoke to Delhi’s every day PM2.5 through the center of October to November 8 has been the bottom within the final 4 years. Smoke from stubble fires has contributed to 12 per cent of Delhi’s every day PM2.5 this 12 months. That is in distinction to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019, and 16 per cent per day in 2018. If transformed to absolute concentrations, the per day contribution of smoke stood at 26 microgram per cubic metre (µg / m³ ) this 12 months up to now in comparison with 35 µg / m³ in 2020, 40 µg / m³ in 2019, and 31 µg / m³ in 2018. The height contribution of smoke to Delhi’s PM stage was recorded November 7, when it reached 48 per cent. That is the second-highest every day contribution proportion recorded since such an estimation was began by the Union Ministry of Earth Science’s System of Air High quality and Climate Forecasting and Analysis (SAFAR). The primary smog episode of 2021 has up to now lasted for six days, related in period to the primary smog of the 2018 and 2020 season. The primary smog episode of 2021 would possibly overtake the 2019 smog that lasted eight days, in response to CSE. It attributed the lingering on of this 12 months’s smog for an extended period regardless of comparatively windier native situations to the dearth of air pollution management measures in Delhi. Anumita Roychowdhury, govt director, analysis and advocacy, CSE, described the continuing smog episode as a ‘public well being emergency’. “This requires pressing emergency motion on key combustion sources (autos, business, waste burning) and dirt sources (building and roads) to stop additional trapping of air pollution when there isn’t a wind to blow this away. We want pollution-source-wise and hotspot-wise standing of motion,” she mentioned. We’re a voice to you; you may have been a assist to us. Collectively we construct journalism that’s unbiased, credible and fearless. You may additional assist us by making a donation. It will imply lots for our potential to carry you information, views and evaluation from the bottom in order that we will make change collectively.

What’s in Delhi’s smog: High levels of SO2, NO2, ozone

Delhi air pollution: For carbon monoxide and ozone, levels are above standards prescribed by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. While the focus has been on rising levels of particulate matter in Delhi when the city is blanketed in smog, the concentration of gases, including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, and ozone, has also been higher during the smog period this year, when compared to pre-smog levels, an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows. For carbon monoxide and ozone, levels are above standards prescribed by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. For sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, levels have not surpassed the standards but are elevated compared to pre-smog levels. (see box) The analysis also says contribution of farm fires to PM 2.5 levels in Delhi was lower this year. But it goes on to state: “Lingering on of this year’s smog for a longer duration despite relatively windier local conditions might be due to lack of pollution control measures in the city this year.” As per the analysis, daily average contribution of farm fires to PM 2.5 levels in Delhi from mid-October to November 8 has been the lowest in the past 4 years. So far, an average of 12% per day has been recorded, against 17% per day in 2020, 14% per day in 2019, and 16% per day in 2018. However, peak contribution (48%) this year is higher than peak figures for the past two years. But, on November 7, when this contribution peaked, PM 2.5 levels dipped in contrast, from 501 µg/m3 on November 5 to 265 µg/m3 on November 7. “Smoke is a contributing factor for sure. But, this year, on average, it has been less than it was in previous years, mostly due to meteorological conditions. However, pollution levels have not come down despite smoke levels [from farm fires] being low. This shows local pollution levels are high and there is a lack of action on ground…,” said Avikal Somvanshi, Programme Manager, Sustainable Cities Programme, CSE, who is one of the authors of the analysis. The smog episode, is therefore, considered to be from November 4. The episode has lasted 6 days till November 9 and is continuing, as per Somvanshi, the same as the first smog episodes from 2018 and 2020. While the analysis only considered data till November 9, Somvanshi said PM 2.5 levels remained ‘severe’ for November 10 too. “If conditions don’t improve, it might overtake the 2019 smog that lasted 8 days,” said the analysis.

Smog covers Delhi-NCR; air quality 'severe' amid unhelpful meteorological conditions

The CSE said that the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to last for two more days A layer of smog shrouded Delhi-NCR on Thursday and partially blotted out the sun on Chhath Puja as the air quality slipped back into the severe zone with unfavourable meteorological conditions aiding accumulation of pollutants, authorities said. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said that the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency. "This requires urgent emergency action on key combustion sources (vehicles, industry, waste burning) and dust sources (const... Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/smog-covers-delhi-ncr-air-quality-severe-amid-unhelpful-meteorological-conditions-1049520.html

Smog Over Delhi-NCR, Air Quality Severe Amid Unhelpful Meteorological Conditions

Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment said the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency. New Delhi: A layer of smog shrouded Delhi-NCR on Thursday partially blotting out the sun on Chhath Puja as the air quality slipped back into the severe zone with unfavourable meteorological conditions aiding accumulation of pollutants, authorities said. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency. “This requires urgent emergency action on key combustion sources (vehicles, industry, waste burning) and dust sources (construction and roads) to prevent further trapping of pollution when there is no wind to blow this away,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE. At 10 am, Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 407. Of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital, 33 recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday.

राजधानी में आज वायु गुणवत्ता ‘बहुत खराब’, दिल्ली-एनसीआर में छाई धुंध की परत

अधिकारियों ने कहा कि गुरुवार को दिल्ली-एनसीआर में धुंध की एक परत छा गई और... दिवाली के बाद से ही देश की राजधानी दिल्ली की हवा जहरीली बनी हुई है. लोगों का सांस लेना मुश्किल हो रहा है. दिल्ली के अक्षरधाम क्षेत्र में प्रदूषण इतना ... https://www.gnttv.com/india/story/delhi-pollution-and-smog-visibility-delhi-low-due-heavy-smog-aqi-severe-312890-2021-11-11

Smog covers Delhi-NCR; air quality severe amid unhelpful meteorological conditions | Delhi News

NEW DELHI: As the air quality in Delhi-NCR dropped back into severe zone due to unfavourable weather circumstances, a thick layer of haze partially blocked out the sun on Chhath Puja and blurred landmarks from view. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency. “This requires urgent emergency action on key combustion sources (vehicles, industry, waste burning) and dust sources (construction and roads) to prevent further trapping of pollution when there is no wind to blow this away,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”. An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said shallow fog and low temperatures in the morning — Delhi recorded the season’s lowest temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday — trapped pollutants close to the ground and calm winds led to stagnant conditions. Visibility levels at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Safdarjung Airport dropped to 600-800 metres, he added. The CSE said the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to last for another day. “Compared to the first smog episode of the previous four years, the current smog has matched the duration of the first smog of 2018 and 2020 season — both lasted six days. If conditions do not improve, it might overtake the 2019 smog that lasted eight days,” the CSE said. The longer duration of this year’s smog despite relatively windier local conditions might be due to a lack of pollution control measures in the city, the green think tank said. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences‘ air quality forecast agency SAFAR, 3,914 farm fires accounted for 26 per cent of Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution on Thursday. Stubble burning has accounted for at least 25 per cent of Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution for eight days on the trot, starting November 4. The share of farm fires in Delhi’s pollution rose to 48 per cent on Sunday, the highest since November 5, 2018, when it was recorded at 58 per cent. Last year, the share of stubble burning in Delhi’s pollution had peaked at 42 per cent on November 5. In 2019, crop residue burning accounted for 44 per cent of Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution on November 1. Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Thursday wrote another letter to his Union counterpart Bhupender Yadav calling for an emergency meeting with all NCR states to discuss the issue of stubble burning. He also kicked off a month-long campaign to prevent open burning of waste and biomass in the city in a bid to further cut down pollution from local sources.

Delhi`s air quality turns `very poor` as smog engulfs the national capital

New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital on Friday morning (November 12) turned ‘very poor’ with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 360, according to the Ministry of Earth Science’s air quality monitor, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). With unfavourable meteorological conditions aiding the accumulation of pollutants, the air quality of Delhi remains deteriorated with lowering the visibility in several parts of Delhi-NCR. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said, the longer duration of this year’s smog despite relatively windier local conditions might be due to a lack of pollution control measures in the city.

Delhi Air Quality Index: Pollution likely to increase in Delhi-NCR, situation will remain critical for next two days

Delhi Pollution: Pollution situation in Delhi-NCR is getting dire. A thick layer of smog covered the sky on Thursday. Pollution is likely to increase manifold in the next two days in the capital and surrounding areas. Due to this, people are facing problems like burning in the eyes, difficulty in breathing, suffocation, sore throat and nose. The 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 411. The air quality in most of the 39 air quality monitoring centers in the national capital was recorded in the ‘severe’ category. The 24-hour average AQI on Wednesday was 372. The air quality in Faridabad (412), Ghaziabad (461), Greater Noida (417) and Noida (434) was also recorded in the severe category at 4 pm on Thursday. An official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that there was a drop in temperature in the morning along with light fog. Delhi on Thursday recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius, which is the lowest temperature of the season so far. He said that the visibility level at Indira Gandhi International Airport and Safdarjung Airport dropped to 600 to 800 meters. CSE said that the havoc of the existing fog in Delhi-NCR may continue for another day. Comparing the first occurrence of fog in the last four years, the present fog resembles the first fog period of 2018 and 2020 which lasted for six days. If the conditions do not improve, then this fog can last longer than the fog of 2019 which lasted for eight days. Despite local conditions with relatively strong winds, the long period of fog this year could be attributed to the lack of pollution control measures in the city.

Smog tightens grip on Delhi-NCR

The layer of eye-stinging smog lingering over Delhi-NCR thickened on Friday, giving an orange tint to the sun and lowering visibility to 200 metres at several places in the region reeling under ha... ByPTI New Delhi, Nov 12 (PTI) The layer of eye-stinging smog lingering over Delhi-NCR thickened on Friday, giving an orange tint to the sun and lowering visibility to 200 metres at several places in the region reeling under hazardous pollution levels since early November. Delhi has recorded severe air quality on five of the last seven days after Diwali. According to an analysis by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), people in the national capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 every year. The city recorded the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 454 at 9 am. The 24-hour average AQI was 411 on Thursday. Faridabad (452), Ghaziabad (490), Greater Noida (476), Gurugram (418) and Noida (434) also recorded severe air quality at 9 am. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe". According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average concentration of lung-damaging fine particles known as PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR stood at 346 micrograms per cubic metre at 9 am, around six times more than the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The PM10 level was recorded at 544 micrograms per cubic metre. According to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the air quality is considered to be in the emergency category if the PM2.5 and PM10 levels continue to be above 300 micrograms per cubic metre and 500 micrograms per cubic metre respectively for 48 hours or more. Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said moderate fog and low temperatures in the morning -- Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius on Friday -- and calm winds have been trapping pollutants close to the ground. "Visibility levels at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Safdarjung Airport dropped to 300-500 metres due to moderate fog. It (fog) has intensified on Friday due to high humidity," an official said. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency and could be the longest in four years. The longer duration of this year's smog, despite relatively windier local conditions, might be due to a lack of pollution control measures in the city, the CSE had said in a report. In another report, it said vehicles accounted for more than 50 per cent of Delhi's pollution during the early phase of this year's winter, from October 24 to November 8. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality forecasting agency SAFAR, 3,914 farm fires accounted for 26 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution on Thursday. Stubble burning has accounted for at least 25 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution for eight days on the trot, starting November 4. The share of farm fires in Delhi's pollution rose to 48 per cent on Sunday, the highest since November 5, 2018, when it was recorded at 58 per cent. Last year, the share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution had peaked at 42 per cent on November 5. In 2019, crop residue burning accounted for 44 per cent of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution on November 1. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote another letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday, calling for an emergency meeting with all the NCR states to discuss the issue of stubble burning. Rai also launched a month-long campaign to prevent open burning of waste and biomass in the city in a bid to further cut down pollution from local sources. The second phase of the city government's anti-dust campaign will get underway on Friday.

Delhi air quality 'very poor', likely to deteriorate to 'severe'; smoke and low visibility in many parts

The air pollution level in Delhi stood in the 'very poor' category on Friday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) clocking at 360. Delhi's air quality deteriorated further on Friday morning with a thick layer of smog and haze shrouding the national capital According to the Meteorological Department, there is smoke and low visibility near Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple as Delhi continues to witness 'very poor' air quality. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 360, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting & Research. The overall quality of air in the national capital is expected to deteriorate further, according to the Centre-run pollution monitoring system. The air quality in the city was in the 'severe' category on Thursday as the city recorded the season's lowest temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius. The Centre-run pollution monitoring system registered Delhi University (North Campus), Indira Gandhi International Airport, IIT Delhi, Ayanagar and Lodhi Road air quality to 'very poor', with the concentrations of PM2.5 particles clocking at 400, 391, 378, 369 and 387 respectively. Meanwhile, Mathura Road's air quality stood in the 'severe' category, with the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 docking at 402 and 410 respectively. The air quality index (AQI) of the national capital has been in the 'severe' for five out of seven days after Diwali celebrations, official data show. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor' and 401 and 500 'severe'. SAFAR has advised people with health issues, particularly breathing-related ailments to avoid all outdoor physical activity. It has urged asthmatics to keep medicines handy. People should stop any outdoor activity if they experience unusual coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty, chest discomfort or fatigue. The forecast further states that the concentration of PM10 particles is expected to be at 445 while PM2.5 is expected to be at 272 on Saturday, both falling in the 'severe' category. Meanwhile, the green think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has warned that this year could be the worst smog episode for Delhi and its neighbouring areas as it could be the longest in four years. According to the green think-tank, smog is expected to last for another two days in the Delhi-NCR regions.

Delhi air pollution: AQI remains in 'very poor' zone as smog engulfs capital

Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to stay for a few more days. The agency added that it is a public health emergency. Delhi’s air quality on Friday remained in the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Ministry of Earth Science’s air quality monitor, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 360. Dense smog aided by unfavourable meteorological conditions lowered visibility in several parts of Delhi-NCR. Green think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said, the longer duration of this year's smog despite relatively windier local conditions might be due to a lack of pollution control measures in the city. The CSE said the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to stay for a few more days. The agency added that it is a public health emergency. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the national capital this week will drop to 11 degrees Celsius. On Thursday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature for the day settled at 28 degrees Celsius. This entire week the maximum temperature will fluctuate between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, the IMD data revealed.

दिल्ली में कोहरे का कहर, वायु गुणवत्ता फिर से ‘गंभीर’ श्रेणी में पहुंची

दिल्ली- राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में बृहस्पतिवार को प्रदूषण युक्त कोहरे की परत छाने से छठ पूजा के दौरान श्रद्धालुओं को सूर्य के दर्शन आंशिक रूप से ही हो पाए। शहर में मौसम संबंधी प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों के कारण एक बार फिर वायु गुणवत्ता ‘गंभीर’ श्रेणी में पहुंच गई। विज्ञान एवं पर्यावरण केंद्र (सीएसई) ने कहा कि कोहरा एक सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य आपात स्थिति है। सीएसई की कार्यकारी निदेशक (अनुसंधान) अनुमिता रॉयचौधरी ने कहा, ”इस गंभीर स्थिति से निपटने के लिए उन मोर्चों पर तत्काल कार्रवाई की आवश्यकता है, जिससे प्रदूषण अधिक फैलता है जैसे वाहनों से, कुछ उद्योगों से, अपशिष्ट जलाने से। वहीं, भवन निर्माण, सड़क जैसे धूल फैलाने वाले स्रोतों पर तत्काल कार्रवाई करने की आवश्यकता है।” दिल्ली में सुबह 10 बजे वायु गुणवत्ता सूचकांक (एक्यूआई) 407 दर्ज किया गया। राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के 39 वायु गुणवत्ता निगरानी केन्द्रों में से 33 में वायु गुणवत्ता ‘गंभीर’ श्रेणी में दर्ज की गई। बुधवार को 24 घंटे का औसतन एक्यूआई 372 था। एक्यूआई सुबह 10 बजे गाजियाबाद में 454, ग्रेटर नोएडा में 404 और नोएडा में 426 था। एक्यूआई को शून्य और 50 के बीच ‘अच्छा’, 51 और 100 के बीच ‘संतोषजनक’, 101 और 200 के बीच ‘मध्यम’, 201 और 300 के बीच ‘खराब’, 301 और 400 के बीच ‘बहुत खराब’ और 401 और 500 के बीच ‘गंभीर’ श्रेणी में माना जाता है। भारत मौसम विज्ञान विभाग (आईएमडी) के एक अधिकारी ने बताया कि सुबह के समय हल्के कोहरे के साथ ही तापमान में गिरावट दर्ज की गई। दिल्ली में बृहस्पतिवार सुबह न्यूनतम तापमान 12.6 डिग्री सेल्सियस दर्ज किया गया, जो इस मौसम का अभी तक का सबसे कम तापमान है। उन्होंने बताया कि इंदिरा गांधी अंतरराष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे और सफदरजंग हवाई अड्डे पर दृश्यता में 600 से 800 मीटर तक गिरावट दर्ज की गई। सीएसई ने कहा कि दिल्ली-एनसीआर में मौजूदा कोहरे का कहर अगले दो-तीन तक जारी रह सकता है।

Center for science and environment cse warns for next few days as it will be difficult to breathe due to smog and poor aqi jagran special

New Delhi. If you live in Delhi NCR then you may have to face dense smog for the next few days. According to a report by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), for the first time this season, a thick blanket of haze will be seen over the entire Indo-Gangetic plane for the next seven days. The main reason for this smog is the smoke emanating from crackers and stubble burning on Diwali and the changing weather. This year is the lowest recorded stubble smoke in the last four years. A deadly mix of toxic gases including ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are being recorded on a large scale in addition to PM 2.5 in the haze being recorded in Delhi and NCR. The level of PM 2.5 in the air was highest from 8 am to 8 am on Diwali night since 2017. At the same time, the proportion of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the air has also been very high, which shows the effect of firecrackers. According to CSAE, in view of the dense smog in the air, immediate emergency steps are needed to prevent further increase in pollution. At the same time, governments also need to adopt a long-term policy. Read also: If the stubble is lit, the earnings will decrease, everyone will suffer along with the farmers The average level of PM 2.5 in Delhi’s air remains up to 250 micrograms per cubic meter. On November 05, the level of PM 2.5 in the air had reached 501 micrograms per cubic meter. Under the standards, the level of PM 2.5 in the air should not exceed 60 micrograms per cubic metre. By November 8, the level of PM 2.5 in the air had come down to 256 micrograms per cubic meter. But even now it remains above dangerous levels. On November 8 this year, the level of stubble smoke in the air was the lowest recorded in the last four years. On November 8 this year, its level in the air was 12 percent. Its level in the air in 2020 was 17 percent. It was 14 percent in 2019 and 16 percent in 2018. The level of smog in the air of Delhi was highest on 7th November. It had reached 48 percent. This was the highest in 2018 after the formation of SAFAR, an organization that monitors pollution levels in Delhi’s air. On November 5, the level of smog in Delhi’s air had reached 58 percent. Read also: Data Story: The smoke of firecrackers is heavy on your breath, this report revealed Dangerous gases increased in the air According to the CSE report, the level of hazardous gases in the air of Delhi is also increasing continuously due to pollution. The level of ozone gas in the air is being recorded more than the standards. At the same time, due to smog, the level of carbon monoxide in the air has also remained above the standards. Most polluted night of Diwali in last five years According to the CSE report, in the last five years, the level of pollution in the air was very high this year from 8 pm on Diwali to 8 am the next day. In the last five years, the average level of PM 2.5 in the air during this period was 747 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 22 percent higher than in 2020. At the same time, this level of PM 2.5 in the air on Diwali night is 4.5 times more than the normal level.

Delhi air pollution: Vehicular emissions biggest internal contributor to pollution levels

Delhi air pollution: The analysis is based on data for every alternate hour from October 24 to November 8. It is sourced from the Decision Support System to determine contribution of different sources to pollution levels in Delhi. Vehicular emissions contribute the highest share to Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels, in terms of local sources of pollution, according to an analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The analysis is based on data for every alternate hour from October 24 to November 8. It is sourced from the Decision Support System (DSS) developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, to determine contribution of different sources to pollution levels in Delhi. The contribution of vehicles has been half or more during the study period, the CSE analysis notes. This figure would be around 50%-53%, said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Research and Advocacy, CSE, who was part of the team that carried out the analysis. The contribution of household pollution has been 12.5%-13.5%, while that of industry has been 9.9%- 13.7%. The contribution of construction has been 6.7%-7.9%, that of waste burning has stood between 4.6%-4.9%, and the contribution of road dust has been 3.6%-4.1%. The CSE analysis of data on the contribution of the surrounding 19 districts to PM 2.5 levels in Delhi from November 2- 6, shows that the contribution of NCR “dominated in the initial phase, going up to 70% to 80%,” but then declined during the smog episode post Diwali, when contribution from local sources dominated. The contribution of biomass burning from other states also remained low in the pre-Diwali phase but peaked after Diwali. Calm conditions during the smog episode meant the impact of local sources was more with reduced movement from the NCR areas. But transport winds brought in pollutants from biomass burning in other states.The analysis also indicates that nitrogen dioxide levels increase when traffic congestion increases, and travel speed reduces. On November 5, for instance, the NO2 level was close to 70 µg/m3 between 6 pm and 7 pm, up from a figure close to 40 µg/m3, between 2 pm and 3 pm. Peak hours in the evening are usually between 6 pm and 8 pm. The analysis looked at Google Map data for 15 major roads in Delhi and the travel time and speed along these roads.

Delhi pollution: Vehicles biggest contributor to poor air quality, reveals study

Delhi pollution: Vehicles contributed to more than 50% of Delhi's pollution, followed by household pollution (12.5%-13.5%) In the national capital Delhi, vehicles have emerged as the major reason for air pollution, according to a study by the think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE study said that vehicles contributed to more than 50% of Delhi's pollution between October 24 and November 8, this year. This is followed by household pollution (12.5%-13.5%). Industries contributed 9.9-13.7% of air pollution while construction activities accounted for 6.7-6.9% of pollution in the national capital. Last month, the Delhi government had launched Red Light On, Gaadi Off' (red light on, ignition off) campaign to curb pollution in the capital. The Delhi government requested people to turn off their engines at the red light signal. Besides, the Delhi chief minister had also asked people not to use their personal vehicles at least one day every week to reduce vehicular pollution. During November 2-6, the contribution of pollution sources in NCR dominated the initial phase -- going up to 70-80%, according to the study. Its share declined during the smog episode post-Diwali when the relative contribution of Delhi's own sources increased. Similarly, the contribution of biomass burning from other states remained low in the initial pre-Diwali phase but peaked post-Diwali. Clearly, after the closure of all coal-based power plants, expansion of natural gas usage in industry, and controls on dirty fuels, vehicles have emerged as the biggest real-time contributor among the local sources of winter pollution in Delhi this year, Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE said.

Saffola Honey’s latest ad assures consumers of purity with written proof on packaging

The latest TVC of Saffola Honey, featuring actress Priya Mani, highlights its commitment to delivering high-quality, zero-adulteration products to its consumers and that too with written proof. Launched in June 2020 Marico's Saffola Honey scored over its competitors last year when it was found to be one among three brands that cleared the purity test. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on 2 December, 2020 said major honey brands such as Dabur, Patanjali, and Emami (Zandu Pure Honey) had failed a key purity test conducted by a German laboratory. Out of the 13 honey brands’ samples, the CSE had sent for testing, Saffola Honey was the only big brand among the three which cleared the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) test that is administered across the world to test honey for its purity. While the test is not a norm in India, it is mandatory for honey meant for export. This ad once again reminds consumers that they are the ‘purest’ honey available in the market. And what’s more- it’s packaging clearly states its purity standards. The TVC shows a lady seeking written proof for everything with ‘Kaha likha hai?’ This panders to the popular mindset that a claim needs to be written down to be sure of its credibility. She asks the same question to the salesman at a supermarket when he claims that Saffola Honey is 100% pure. He then asks her to refer to the pack which mentions it passes all government standards and is NMR tested for sugar adulteration. Sanjay Mishra, Chief Operating Officer, India Sales and Chief Executive Officer, New Business, Marico Limited commented, “While honey is a popular natural sweetener and is consumed by many in India, the adulteration in honey through added sugar is a widespread problem. At Saffola, we are committed to delivering only the best-in-class products sourced, processed, and delivered to the consumer by following the highest levels of quality controls and standardisation. Saffola Honey is tested through one of the most advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance testing techniques in specialised laboratories of Germany to ensure Saffola honey is free from any added or exogenous sugar. We are also delighted to collaborate with Priya Mani for our TVC, which aims to generate a conversation around the need for Indian consumers to demand the certification of purity and quality of the products they consume.” Priya Mani said, “Saffola has always been a trusted partner for India’s quest towards a healthy lifestyle. With Saffola Honey, Marico Limited has taken the superior quality they are known for a step further, by creating a product that does not compromise on anything and is accredited with the famed NMR certification. I am honoured to be associated with Saffola Honey and am excited to bring lasting change into people’s lives with this campaign.”