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Smog covers Delhi-NCR; air high quality serious amid unhelpful meteorological stipulations

The Centre for Science and Surroundings (CSE) mentioned the continuing smog episode is a public well being emergency New Delhi: A layer of smog shrouded Delhi-NCR on Thursday and in part blotted out the solar on Chhath Puja because the air high quality slipped again into the serious zone with adverse meteorological stipulations helping accumulation of pollution, government mentioned. Inexperienced assume tank Centre for Science and Surroundings (CSE) mentioned the continuing smog episode is a public well being emergency. “This calls for pressing emergency motion on key combustion assets (automobiles, trade, waste burning) and mud assets (development and roads) to forestall additional trapping of air pollution when there is not any wind to blow this away,” mentioned Anumita Roychowdhury, govt director, analysis and advocacy, CSE. At 10 am, Delhi recorded an Air High quality Index (AQI) of 407. Thirty-three of the 39 air high quality tracking stations within the nationwide capital recorded air air pollution ranges within the serious class. The 24-hour reasonable AQI was once 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Better Noida (404) and Noida (426) additionally recorded serious air high quality at 10 am. An AQI between 0 and 50 is regarded as “excellent”, 51 and 100 “enough”, 101 and 200 “average”, 201 and 300 “deficient”, 301 and 400 “very deficient”, and 401 and 500 “serious”. An legit from the India Meteorological Division (IMD) mentioned shallow fog and coffee temperatures within the morning — Delhi recorded the season’s lowest temperature of 12.6 levels Celsius on Thursday — trapped pollution just about the bottom and calm winds ended in stagnant stipulations. Visibility ranges on the Indira Gandhi World Airport and the Safdarjung Airport dropped to 600-800 metres, he added. The CSE mentioned the present serious smog episode in Delhi-NCR is predicted to closing for 2 extra days. It additionally mentioned the typical day by day contribution of smoke from farm fires from the center of October to November 8 was once the bottom in 4 years. “In comparison to the primary smog episode of the former 4 years, the present smog has matched the period of the primary smog of 2018 and 2020 season — each lasted six days. If stipulations don’t support, it could overtake the 2019 smog that lasted 8 days,” the CSE mentioned. The longer period of this 12 months’s smog regardless of fairly windier native stipulations could be because of a loss of air pollution keep an eye on measures within the town, the fairway assume tank mentioned. On a mean, the contribution of smoke to Delhi’s day by day PM2.5 from the center of October to November 8 was once the bottom within the closing 4 years. “To this point, it has recorded a mean of 12 in step with cent (farm hearth percentage) in step with day against this to 17 in step with cent in step with day in 2020, 14 in step with cent in step with day in 2019 and 16 in step with cent in step with day in 2018 (as reported through SAFAR),” the CSE mentioned. The proportion of farm fires in Delhi’s air pollution rose to 48 in step with cent on Sunday, the best since November 5, 2018, when it was once recorded at 58 in step with cent. Remaining 12 months, the percentage of stubble burning in Delhi’s air pollution had peaked at 42 in step with cent on November 5. In 2019, crop residue burning accounted for 44 in step with cent of Delhi’s PM2.5 air pollution on November 1

First severe smog hits Delhi, national capital could witness season’s longest since 2017: Report

This year could be the worst smog episode for Delhi and its neighbouring areas, warn the green think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). According to the green think-tank, smog is expected to last for another two days in the Delhi-NCR regions. This means that the first severe smog episode in Delhi could be the longest in four years. According to Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director, CSE research and advocacy, the season’s first smog episode has been triggered by the combined effect of unfavourable weather conditions, stubble burning and firecrackers. On the other hand, CSE data says the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires has been the lowest in the last four years during the time period from the middle of October to November 8. The peak contribution of smoke to Delhi’s PM level was recorded on November 7 when it hit 48%. The green think-tank says this year’s first smog episode has already lasted six days which matches that of 2018 and 2020. However, this could further increase if conditions do not improve and may even overtake the 2019 record of eight days. The average intensity of the smog this year so far is 329 micrograms per cubic metre per day. This is lower by 7% than that of 2020 smog and by 3% than that of 2019 smog. However, it is more intense than that of 2018 smog by about 9%. The green think tank has blamed the lack of pollution control measures in the city for a longer duration of smog episodes in Delhi despite relatively windier local conditions. The analysis has been done on the basis of real-time data available from the current working air quality monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR and the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain.

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

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency New Delhi: 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 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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. "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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi's daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. "So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR)," the CSE said. 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's air quality severe amid unhelpful meteorological conditions

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 the ongoing smog episode is a public health emergency. Advertisement "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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". 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. He added that the visibility levels at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Safdarjung Airport dropped to 600-800 metres. The CSE said the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to last for two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. "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. On average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi's daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. "So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR)," the CSE said. 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.

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

New Delhi: 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 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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. "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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi's daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. "So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR)," the CSE said. 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.

Smog cover over Delhi-NCR; air quality severe amid unhelpful meteorological conditions

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 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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. "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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi's daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. "So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR)," the CSE said. 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.

Smog cover over Delhi-NCR; air quality severe amid unhelpful meteorological conditions

New Delhi(PTI): 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 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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. "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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi's daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. "So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR)," the CSE said. 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.

First Severe Smog Hits The National Capital, Can Be The Longest Since 2017: Report

The first severe smog has hit the national capital, according to a report. Read this article further to know more about it Smog and pollution have made it extremely difficult to breathe in a healthy way whenever we are outside our home. It is important to take necessary precautions such as wearing masks to protect yourself from various health hazards caused by smog. According to green think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the first severe smog episode has hit Delhi and NCR, ans is expected to stay for another two days. The level of seasonal smog in Delhi is severe, but the daily average measure of smoke from farm fires from October to November 8 has been lowest in the last 4 years. If we look at the first smog episode of previous four years, the current smog has reached the duration of the first smog of 2018 and 2020 season, as both of them lasted for six days. If the situation does not get better, it might even go beyond the 2019 smog that lasted for eight days, as per CSE. The average intensity of the smog this year till now is 329 microgram per cubic metre a day, which is lesser than 2020 smog by 7 per cent and 2019 smog by 3 per cent. And, it is more severe than the 2018 smog, which is about 9 per cent Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE, said, "Predictably, the season's first episode has been triggered by the combined effect of unfavourable weather conditions (cool and calm winds and inversion), stubble burning and firecrackers." smog Ads by Jagran.TV "While very high concentrations of PM2.5 have hogged attention, the levels of gases - ozone, CO or NO2 -- have remained elevated during this smog episode. Also, the ratio of SO2 to NO2 increased on Diwali night indicating increased pollution load from firecrackers. The PM2.5 concentration on Diwali night (8 pm to 8 am) has been the most intense since 2017," said Avikal Somvanshi, programme manager, Urban Lab, CSE. This report is based on the real time data analysis which was provided from the current air quality monitoring stations in Delhi-NCR and the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain.

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.

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.

Smog Cover Over Delhi; Air Quality “Severe” As Meteorological Conditions Aid Pollutants

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 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. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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”. 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. “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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi”s daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. “So far, it has recorded an average of 12 per cent (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17 per cent per day in 2020, 14 per cent per day in 2019 and 16 per cent per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR),” the CSE said. 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.

First Major Smog Episode Strikes Delhi, Might Be Longest In 4 Years: Report

Centre for Science and Environment reported that the daily approximate contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 has been the lowest in the past four years. The Green think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) on November 10 stated that the first severe smog episode has struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) which is expected to last more than two days. While the seasonal smog in the national capital is intense, the daily approximate contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 has been the lowest in past four years, NDTV quoted a CSE report as saying. A Significant Change "Predictably, the season's first episode has been triggered by the combined effect of unfavourable weather conditions (cool and calm winds and inversion), stubble burning and firecrackers," CSE's executive director, research and advocacy Anumita Roychowdhury were quoted as saying by the media outlet. In comparison with the first smog episode over the last four years, the current smog situation has matched the duration of the first smog of the 2018 and 2020 seasons -- both of which lasted for nearly six days. In case the condition remains the same, it might overtake the 2019 smog which lasted eight days, the CSE stated. Some Staggering Numbers In 2021, the average intensity of the smog so far is 329 micrograms per cubic metre each day, which remains lower than that of the 2020 smog (by 7%) and 2019 smog (by 3%). However, it is way more intense than the 2018 smog (approximately 9%). The green think tank then went on to add how the extended duration for the smog being present this year despite relatively windier local conditions might be down to the lack of pollution control measures in Delhi. The entire analysis is based on the real-time data obtainable from the current working air quality monitoring stations in the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain and Delhi-NCR. Air quality in the national capital went down to 'hazardous' category after numerous people neglected the state's government's instructions and took to bursting firecrackers on Diwali. While Delhi and its nearby areas were covered in a thick blanket of smog the next day, citizens also complained about facing skin and breathing problems due to the poor air quality. https://thelogicalindian.com/environment/first-major-smog-episode-strikes-delhi-might-be-longest-in-4-years-report-31855

Delhi pollution: Gopal Rai kicks off campaign against open burning of waste

NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai on Thursday kicked off a month-long campaign against open burning of waste and biomass with an inspection of the Ghazipur landfill, and directed EDMC officials to prepare a fire control plan. The government will review the reasons behind the "slow rate" of biomining of legacy waste at the Ghazipur landfill, the minister said, adding that only five per cent of it has been processed in two and a half years. "We have launched a campaign to prevent open burning of waste and biomass to cut down on pollution generated within Delhi. Ten departments – DPCC, municipal corporations, revenue department, Delhi Development Authority, Development Department, DSIIDC, I & FC Department and Cantonment Board – are involved in the campaign," Rai told reporters here. The minister said 550 patrol teams have been formed, of which 246 will be deployed at night. The second phase of the anti-dust campaign will be run from November 12 to December 12, he said. Rai said he has directed officials of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) to prepare a plan to control fires at the Ghazipur landfill which "keep on burning for days and pollute the air". He said according to a recent report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, only five per cent of the legacy waste at the Ghazipur landfill has been processed in two and a half years. "It seems difficult to accomplish the task at this rate. They are saying it will take 13 years. The progress is very poor. The EDMC needs to prepare a proper action plan... The city government will also review the reason behind the delay," Rai said. On Thursday, a thick layer of smog shrouded Delhi-NCR 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 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 2 pm, Delhi recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 407. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the 'severe' category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (455), Greater Noida (407) and Noida (429) also recorded severe air quality at 10 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". An official from the India Meteorological Department said shallow fog and low temperature – Delhi recorded the season's lowest minimum of 12.6 degrees Celsius – in the morning 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 said. The CSE said the current severe smog episode in Delhi-NCR is expected to last another two days.

Smog cover over Delhi-NCR; air quality severe amid unhelpful meteorological conditions

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 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 a.m., Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 407. Thirty-three of the 39 air quality monitoring stations in the national capital recorded air pollution levels in the severe category. The 24-hour average AQI was 372 on Wednesday. Ghaziabad (454), Greater Noida (404) and Noida (426) also recorded severe air quality at 10 a.m. 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°C 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 two more days. It also said the average daily contribution of smoke from farm fires from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in four years. “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. On an average, the contribution of smoke to Delhi’s daily PM2.5 from the middle of October to November 8 was the lowest in the last four years. “So far, it has recorded an average of 12% (farm fire share) per day in contrast to 17% per day in 2020, 14% per day in 2019 and 16% per day in 2018 (as reported by SAFAR),” the CSE said. The share of farm fires in Delhi’s pollution rose to 48% on Sunday, the highest since November 5, 2018, when it was recorded at 58%. Last year, the share of stubble burning in Delhi’s pollution had peaked at 42% on November 5. In 2019, crop residue burning accounted for 44% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution on November 1.