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Delhi Pollution Dips But Ban On These Vehicles To Continue Till Sunday
New Delhi: Movement of ** III petrol and ** IV diesel vehicles in Delhi will remain banned till November 13, while trucks will be allowed to enter the national capital, according to officials.
As the city's air quality improved, the Delhi government on Monday also decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order that asked 50 per cent of its staff to work from home.
"**-III petrol and **-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will remain banned under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said at a press conference on Monday.
The transport department, in an order, said the vehicles found in violation of the rule will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of ₹ 20,000.
Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work do not come under the ban's purview.
"As per the directions provided under Stage III of revised GRAP, there will be a restriction to ply **- III petrol and **- IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) in the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi. The above directions will remain enforced till November 13 or downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restrictions will continue beyond November 13, if CAQM (Centre for Air Quality Management) orders GRAP-III and above restrictions," the order read.
"If any **-III petrol and **-IV diesel LMV is found running on roads, it will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988," it further stated.
The department, in another order, said there will be no ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and Delhi-registered diesel operated medium goods and heavy goods vehicles.
In a related development, LocalCircles, a community social media platform, conducted a survey which received responses from over 9,000 owners of **-IV diesel cars.
According to the survey, a section of the car owners expressed displeasure at the CAQM move. Nearly 11 per cent of them said they will violate the ban and face the consequences, while 25 per cent said they will switch to public transport. Another 49 per cent diesel car owners said they had access to vehicles which did not come under the ban and will use those instead.
NDTV
New Delhi: Movement of ** III petrol and ** IV diesel vehicles in Delhi will remain banned till November 13, while trucks will be allowed to enter the national capital, according to officials.
As the city's air quality improved, the Delhi government on Monday also decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order that asked 50 per cent of its staff to work from home.
"**-III petrol and **-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will remain banned under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)," Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said at a press conference on Monday.
The transport department, in an order, said the vehicles found in violation of the rule will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of ₹ 20,000.
Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work do not come under the ban's purview.
"As per the directions provided under Stage III of revised GRAP, there will be a restriction to ply **- III petrol and **- IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) in the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi. The above directions will remain enforced till November 13 or downward revision in GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restrictions will continue beyond November 13, if CAQM (Centre for Air Quality Management) orders GRAP-III and above restrictions," the order read.
"If any **-III petrol and **-IV diesel LMV is found running on roads, it will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988," it further stated.
The department, in another order, said there will be no ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and Delhi-registered diesel operated medium goods and heavy goods vehicles.
In a related development, LocalCircles, a community social media platform, conducted a survey which received responses from over 9,000 owners of **-IV diesel cars.
According to the survey, a section of the car owners expressed displeasure at the CAQM move. Nearly 11 per cent of them said they will violate the ban and face the consequences, while 25 per cent said they will switch to public transport. Another 49 per cent diesel car owners said they had access to vehicles which did not come under the ban and will use those instead.
NDTV
Use Anti-Smog Guns At Construction Sites: Air Quality Commission To Delhi
New Delhi:
The Centre's air quality panel has asked pollution control boards in Delhi-NCR to ensure deployment of anti-smog guns at construction and demolition sites in view of poor air quality in Delhi, an official statement said on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has also recommended other measures, such as the use of wind brokers, dust barrier screens, covering of construction material and its debris, and proper disposal of construction wastes, including transportation in covered vehicles, at these sites, it said.
The panel noted that these sites are a major and consistent source of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The panel said, "At least one anti-smog gun necessary for a total construction area between 5,000 to 10,000 square metre. Two anti-smog guns for area between 10,001 to 15,000 square metre."
"For construction area between 15,001 to 20,000 square metre, at least three anti-smog guns are necessary. At least five anti-smog guns should be deployed for a total construction area above 20,000 square metres," the statement from CAQM said.
It has directed the pollution boards of of NCR and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure continuous use of anti-smog guns at these sites.
NDTV
New Delhi:
The Centre's air quality panel has asked pollution control boards in Delhi-NCR to ensure deployment of anti-smog guns at construction and demolition sites in view of poor air quality in Delhi, an official statement said on Monday.
The Commission for Air Quality Management has also recommended other measures, such as the use of wind brokers, dust barrier screens, covering of construction material and its debris, and proper disposal of construction wastes, including transportation in covered vehicles, at these sites, it said.
The panel noted that these sites are a major and consistent source of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The panel said, "At least one anti-smog gun necessary for a total construction area between 5,000 to 10,000 square metre. Two anti-smog guns for area between 10,001 to 15,000 square metre."
"For construction area between 15,001 to 20,000 square metre, at least three anti-smog guns are necessary. At least five anti-smog guns should be deployed for a total construction area above 20,000 square metres," the statement from CAQM said.
It has directed the pollution boards of of NCR and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to ensure continuous use of anti-smog guns at these sites.
NDTV
Stage 3 Pollution-Control Curbs Lifted In Delhi As Air Quality Improves
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) today directed the authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.
This means construction and demolition activities can resume in the region. However, user agencies need to strictly follow dust-control norms.
The CAQM noted that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) today (294) was about 100 points below the threshold for invoking GRAP stage three actions.
"The improvement in AQI is likely to sustain and the forecast does not indicate any steep degradation in the overall air quality in Delhi-NCR in the next few days.
"The sub-committee, accordingly, hereby decides to revoke with immediate effect its order dated October 29 for invoking actions under Stage-III (severe air quality) of GRAP," the centre's air quality panel said in an order.
All construction and demolition work, except for essential projects, was banned in Delhi-NCR under the third stage of GRAP. Brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers were also not allowed to operate.
Curbs under stages one and two of GRAP, however, will remain in force.
NDTV
New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) today directed the authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) under stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.
This means construction and demolition activities can resume in the region. However, user agencies need to strictly follow dust-control norms.
The CAQM noted that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) today (294) was about 100 points below the threshold for invoking GRAP stage three actions.
"The improvement in AQI is likely to sustain and the forecast does not indicate any steep degradation in the overall air quality in Delhi-NCR in the next few days.
"The sub-committee, accordingly, hereby decides to revoke with immediate effect its order dated October 29 for invoking actions under Stage-III (severe air quality) of GRAP," the centre's air quality panel said in an order.
All construction and demolition work, except for essential projects, was banned in Delhi-NCR under the third stage of GRAP. Brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers were also not allowed to operate.
Curbs under stages one and two of GRAP, however, will remain in force.
NDTV
Delhi Records Season's Lowest Temperature At 9.6 Degrees
New Delhi: The air quality continued to be in the "poor" quality in Delhi on Friday, while the maximum temperature settled two notches below the normal at 25.9 degrees Celsius.
The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 289, which falls in the poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The sky was clear throughout the day.
The national capital has recorded its coldest morning of this season with a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below the normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. The relative humidity oscillated between 93 per cent and 36 per cent, the IMD noted.
The weather office has predicted partly cloudy sky with mist in the morning.
The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 26 and 9 degrees celsius respectively, the IMD reported.
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".
NDTV
New Delhi: The air quality continued to be in the "poor" quality in Delhi on Friday, while the maximum temperature settled two notches below the normal at 25.9 degrees Celsius.
The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 289, which falls in the poor category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The sky was clear throughout the day.
The national capital has recorded its coldest morning of this season with a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius, three notches below the normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. The relative humidity oscillated between 93 per cent and 36 per cent, the IMD noted.
The weather office has predicted partly cloudy sky with mist in the morning.
The maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 26 and 9 degrees celsius respectively, the IMD reported.
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".
NDTV
Delhi's Minimum Temperature At 8.3 Degrees, Air Quality Remains Very Poor
New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the "very poor" category on Saturday, while the maximum temperature settled a notch above the season's average at 26.4 degrees Celsius, the Met office said.
Delhi residents woke up to a cold morning on Saturday as the minimum temperature settled at 8.4 degrees Celsius, one notch below the season's average, according to an India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday stood at 370 (very poor).
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".
The AQI in the national capital had slipped to the "very poor" category on November 26. The air quality levels have remained above the 300-mark since then.
The relative humidity at 5.30 pm was 73 per cent, the IMD said.
NDTV
New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the "very poor" category on Saturday, while the maximum temperature settled a notch above the season's average at 26.4 degrees Celsius, the Met office said.
Delhi residents woke up to a cold morning on Saturday as the minimum temperature settled at 8.4 degrees Celsius, one notch below the season's average, according to an India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Saturday stood at 370 (very poor).
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".
The AQI in the national capital had slipped to the "very poor" category on November 26. The air quality levels have remained above the 300-mark since then.
The relative humidity at 5.30 pm was 73 per cent, the IMD said.
NDTV
Delhi Bans Construction, Demolition Activities As Air Quality Worsens
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/kByOd9o" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/kByOd9o"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
New Delhi: In an attempt to keep rising air pollution under control, authorities in Delhi have issued fresh restrictions on construction work and demolition activities.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's air quality panel, has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to ban all non-essential construction work in the region under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm today.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The pollution level in Delhi had entered the 'severe' category after November 4, when the AQI was 447, following which, the CAQM had directed the authorities to impose a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR, except in essential projects.
Later, on November 14, the CAQM directed authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR under Stage III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction activities.
However, in view of worsening air quality over the last few days, this ban has now been reintroduced.
NDTV
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/kByOd9o" data-context="false" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/kByOd9o"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
New Delhi: In an attempt to keep rising air pollution under control, authorities in Delhi have issued fresh restrictions on construction work and demolition activities.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Centre's air quality panel, has directed authorities in Delhi-NCR to ban all non-essential construction work in the region under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm today.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
The pollution level in Delhi had entered the 'severe' category after November 4, when the AQI was 447, following which, the CAQM had directed the authorities to impose a ban on all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR, except in essential projects.
Later, on November 14, the CAQM directed authorities to revoke the curbs enforced in Delhi-NCR under Stage III of GRAP, including a ban on non-essential construction activities.
However, in view of worsening air quality over the last few days, this ban has now been reintroduced.
NDTV
Mumbai's Air Quality "Very Poor", Worse Than Smog-Filled Delhi, Says Data
Air quality in the country's financial hub of Mumbai on Thursday was worse than smog-filled national capital New Delhi, raising concerns of long-term health risks to people living in the country's two highly populated cities.
Mumbai's air quality was "very poor" and is expected to remain the same for the next two or three days, government data showed.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid long walks, according to a central government website that charts air quality in cities.
Several infrastructure projects and emissions from nearby refineries were the possible reasons, said a government official who did not want to be named as he was not authorised to talk to the media.
"It is going to get worse in Mumbai because there are no restrictions on construction activity. The roads are all dug up because of the metro and vehicular traffic is crawling, leading to more pollution," environmentalist Debi Goenka said.
India's capital New Delhi and its suburbs endure poor air every winter as colder, heavier air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from the burning of crop stubble in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana.
Mumbai has so far not suffered poor air quality for prolonged periods, but Goenka, an executive trustee of non-profit Conservation Action Trust focused on urban ecological issues, said the city's air quality was likely to worsen due to infrastructure expansion.
NDTV
Air quality in the country's financial hub of Mumbai on Thursday was worse than smog-filled national capital New Delhi, raising concerns of long-term health risks to people living in the country's two highly populated cities.
Mumbai's air quality was "very poor" and is expected to remain the same for the next two or three days, government data showed.
Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid long walks, according to a central government website that charts air quality in cities.
Several infrastructure projects and emissions from nearby refineries were the possible reasons, said a government official who did not want to be named as he was not authorised to talk to the media.
"It is going to get worse in Mumbai because there are no restrictions on construction activity. The roads are all dug up because of the metro and vehicular traffic is crawling, leading to more pollution," environmentalist Debi Goenka said.
India's capital New Delhi and its suburbs endure poor air every winter as colder, heavier air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions and smoke from the burning of crop stubble in the nearby states of Punjab and Haryana.
Mumbai has so far not suffered poor air quality for prolonged periods, but Goenka, an executive trustee of non-profit Conservation Action Trust focused on urban ecological issues, said the city's air quality was likely to worsen due to infrastructure expansion.
NDTV
Why Delhi Struggles With Poor Air Quality Every Winter
A smoky haze hangs over the northern plains and New Delhi, every year as winter sets in, raising fears for the health of many millions of people as the government orders fixes that do little to clear the air.
In recent days, the Air Quality Index in the capital with a population of 20 million people, where few use air purifiers, has risen above 350 on a scale of 500, near "very poor" levels, according to the SAFAR monitoring agency.
Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy.
The index measures levels of airborne PM2.5 particles that can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including cancer and cardiac problems.
The rainy season usually ends in September and come October, the air quality starts deteriorating as cooler temperatures and a drop in the wind trap pollutants in the atmosphere for longer.
The pollution gets worse in November, exacerbated by the burning of crop stubble in Punjab and Haryana.
Farmers in these bread-basket states are at the forefront of the adoption of mechanised farming, and are increasingly using harvesters to bring in the rice crop.
But unlike with manual harvesting, the machines leave stubble and paddy straw in the field.
Farmers, with only a short window to prepare their fields for winter crops, burn off the stubble and straw, sending sooty smoke drifting from the land and accounting for about a quarter of north India's air pollution, experts say.
New Delhi generates much of its own pollution so things get no better in December, when the stubble burning is largely over.
The capital's nearly 10 million vehicles, more than the those of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata combined, churn out exhaust fumes while industrial emissions, dust from construction sites and smoke from household fires adds to the murky mix.
The rapidly expanding city is losing the few patches of oxygen-producing forest it had around it and illegal miners are grinding down a range of nearby hills to feed the construction industry with gravel, and removing a natural barrier to dust from the Thar Desert.
When the smog gets too bad, authorities ban construction work and close schools to protect children but they acknowledge they just don't have the resources to clamp down effectively on illegal industries and to enforce emission rules.
The Supreme Court has rebuked officials for their failure to clear the air and has asked the Delhi government, its neighbouring states and the central government to work together to improve it.
Matters are further worsened by the lack of cooperation between Prime Minister Modi's central government and the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.
It's nature that brings some improvement with warmer weather ending the atmospheric conditions that trap the smog before the return of the rains in around June.
NDTV
A smoky haze hangs over the northern plains and New Delhi, every year as winter sets in, raising fears for the health of many millions of people as the government orders fixes that do little to clear the air.
In recent days, the Air Quality Index in the capital with a population of 20 million people, where few use air purifiers, has risen above 350 on a scale of 500, near "very poor" levels, according to the SAFAR monitoring agency.
Anything above 60 is considered unhealthy.
The index measures levels of airborne PM2.5 particles that can be carried deep into the lungs, causing deadly diseases including cancer and cardiac problems.
The rainy season usually ends in September and come October, the air quality starts deteriorating as cooler temperatures and a drop in the wind trap pollutants in the atmosphere for longer.
The pollution gets worse in November, exacerbated by the burning of crop stubble in Punjab and Haryana.
Farmers in these bread-basket states are at the forefront of the adoption of mechanised farming, and are increasingly using harvesters to bring in the rice crop.
But unlike with manual harvesting, the machines leave stubble and paddy straw in the field.
Farmers, with only a short window to prepare their fields for winter crops, burn off the stubble and straw, sending sooty smoke drifting from the land and accounting for about a quarter of north India's air pollution, experts say.
New Delhi generates much of its own pollution so things get no better in December, when the stubble burning is largely over.
The capital's nearly 10 million vehicles, more than the those of Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata combined, churn out exhaust fumes while industrial emissions, dust from construction sites and smoke from household fires adds to the murky mix.
The rapidly expanding city is losing the few patches of oxygen-producing forest it had around it and illegal miners are grinding down a range of nearby hills to feed the construction industry with gravel, and removing a natural barrier to dust from the Thar Desert.
When the smog gets too bad, authorities ban construction work and close schools to protect children but they acknowledge they just don't have the resources to clamp down effectively on illegal industries and to enforce emission rules.
The Supreme Court has rebuked officials for their failure to clear the air and has asked the Delhi government, its neighbouring states and the central government to work together to improve it.
Matters are further worsened by the lack of cooperation between Prime Minister Modi's central government and the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.
It's nature that brings some improvement with warmer weather ending the atmospheric conditions that trap the smog before the return of the rains in around June.
NDTV
daytrader
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100 Flights Disrupted At Delhi Airport Due To Thick Fog
Poor visibility affecting the northern parts of the country over the past few days, once again disrupted flight movement today.
As many as 100 flights have been disrupted in Delhi alone as it continues to reel under severe cold conditions with a thick layer of fog blanketing the city again on Wednesday.
"Due to bad weather (fog) for three days, over 100 flights are reported delayed from and to Delhi airport, some have also been diverted to the nearest airport," a Delhi airport official told ANI.
Even as the congestion at the airport in New Delhi was being tackled amid a busy yearend holiday season, the problems of air travellers increased once more with dense fog covering most parts of north India.
...
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mas...north-india-3643900#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll
Poor visibility affecting the northern parts of the country over the past few days, once again disrupted flight movement today.
As many as 100 flights have been disrupted in Delhi alone as it continues to reel under severe cold conditions with a thick layer of fog blanketing the city again on Wednesday.
"Due to bad weather (fog) for three days, over 100 flights are reported delayed from and to Delhi airport, some have also been diverted to the nearest airport," a Delhi airport official told ANI.
Even as the congestion at the airport in New Delhi was being tackled amid a busy yearend holiday season, the problems of air travellers increased once more with dense fog covering most parts of north India.
...
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/mas...north-india-3643900#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll
Delhi Air Quality Likely To Improve In 3 Days, But Will Remain "Very Poor"
Delhi's air quality remained severe for a second consecutive day on Tuesday due to unfavourable meteorological conditions though pollution levels are likely to ameliorate in the coming days, forecasting agencies said.
The city's air quality index had deteriorated to the "severe" category on Monday after a gap of around two months, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to direct all NCR states to implement anti-pollution curbs with greater vigour.
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm on Tuesday. It was 434 on Monday and 371 on Sunday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
The Delhi government on Monday imposed a temporary ban on **-III petrol and **-IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital in view of the worsening air quality.
The CAQM had on Friday implemented curbs under stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan including a ban on private construction and demolition work.
NDTV
Delhi's air quality remained severe for a second consecutive day on Tuesday due to unfavourable meteorological conditions though pollution levels are likely to ameliorate in the coming days, forecasting agencies said.
The city's air quality index had deteriorated to the "severe" category on Monday after a gap of around two months, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to direct all NCR states to implement anti-pollution curbs with greater vigour.
Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 407 at 4 pm on Tuesday. It was 434 on Monday and 371 on Sunday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
The Delhi government on Monday imposed a temporary ban on **-III petrol and **-IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital in view of the worsening air quality.
The CAQM had on Friday implemented curbs under stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan including a ban on private construction and demolition work.
NDTV
Non-Veg Sale Banned Within 10 Km Of Bangalore Aero India Show Venue
The Bengaluru civic body on Friday ordered closure of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels and restaurants from January 30 till February 20, in view of the Aero India Show.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in its public notice said that there will be prohibition on serving and sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 10 km of the Yelahanka Air Force Station.
The Aero India Show will be conducted from February 13 to 17.
The BBMP said, "It is to the notice of general public and proprietors of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels and restaurants for closure of all meat/chicken/fish shops and prohibition of serving/sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 10 km radius of Air Force Station, Yelahanka from January 30 to February 20".
Any violation of this will attract punishment under the BBMP Act-2020 and the rule 91 of the Indian Aircraft Rules 1937, it said.
According to the BBMP officials, the decision was taken as the non-veg food littered in public places attract lots of scavenger birds, especially kites, which can cause mid air mishaps.
Aero India in its website stated that a total of 731 exhibitors have registered -- 633 Indian and 98 foreign -- for the airshow.
According to officials, Aero India has carved a niche for itself globally as one of the premier aerospace exhibitions with 13 successful editions organised in Bengaluru since 1996.
NDTV
The Bengaluru civic body on Friday ordered closure of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels and restaurants from January 30 till February 20, in view of the Aero India Show.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in its public notice said that there will be prohibition on serving and sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 10 km of the Yelahanka Air Force Station.
The Aero India Show will be conducted from February 13 to 17.
The BBMP said, "It is to the notice of general public and proprietors of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels and restaurants for closure of all meat/chicken/fish shops and prohibition of serving/sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 10 km radius of Air Force Station, Yelahanka from January 30 to February 20".
Any violation of this will attract punishment under the BBMP Act-2020 and the rule 91 of the Indian Aircraft Rules 1937, it said.
According to the BBMP officials, the decision was taken as the non-veg food littered in public places attract lots of scavenger birds, especially kites, which can cause mid air mishaps.
Aero India in its website stated that a total of 731 exhibitors have registered -- 633 Indian and 98 foreign -- for the airshow.
According to officials, Aero India has carved a niche for itself globally as one of the premier aerospace exhibitions with 13 successful editions organised in Bengaluru since 1996.
NDTV
Delhi Air Quality 'Poor', Likely To Deteriorate From Tomorrow
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi today dropped to the 'poor' category after being in the 'moderate' on Republic Day.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the conditions are expected to worsen further to the 'very poor' in the next few days.
The PM 2.5 pollutants in the National Capital's air stood at 276 on Friday morning. However, PM 10 is at 157, which is considered to be moderate.
The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.
The pollution levels in the national capital are likely to go down to 303 on Saturday and fall in the 'very poor' category, according to SAFAR.
According to the advisory issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should reduce longer or heavy exertion and outdoor activity.
The ministry has advised people to stop their outdoor activities early in the morning and after sunset and has asked people to use N-95 or P-100 face masks to avoid the rising pollution in the city.
NDTV
The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi today dropped to the 'poor' category after being in the 'moderate' on Republic Day.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the conditions are expected to worsen further to the 'very poor' in the next few days.
The PM 2.5 pollutants in the National Capital's air stood at 276 on Friday morning. However, PM 10 is at 157, which is considered to be moderate.
The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.
The pollution levels in the national capital are likely to go down to 303 on Saturday and fall in the 'very poor' category, according to SAFAR.
According to the advisory issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should reduce longer or heavy exertion and outdoor activity.
The ministry has advised people to stop their outdoor activities early in the morning and after sunset and has asked people to use N-95 or P-100 face masks to avoid the rising pollution in the city.
NDTV
pillionrider
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Happens for every air show here. The last one I went, there was still some bird and I swear, I saw this army guy shooting it down 
jeetu
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Air pollution this year feels far less severe in Delhi in comparison to last year. Which is pretty surprising as there was barely any rain in last few months. Night sky was far darker yesterday as compared on pink few day back.
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Visibility, Air Quality Drops In Delhi As Dust Storms Sweep Delhi
Over the past four days, Delhi witnessed maximum temperatures soaring above the 40-degree Celsius mark, intensifying the hot weather conditions.
Strong winds swept across Delhi on Tuesday morning, raising dust and affecting air quality as well as reducing visibility to 1,000 metres, the India Meteorological Department said.
Meteorologists have attributed the dusty conditions to a combination of intense heat in northwest India over the past five days, parched soil due to the absence of rainfall and strong winds that have persisted since midnight.
The wind speed was 30-35 kmph in the early hours. It will come down during the day, allowing the dust to settle down, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre said.
"Dust concentration has gone up multiple times. The PM10 concentration rose from 140 micrograms per cubic metre at 4 am to 775 micrograms per cubic metre at 8 am. It is mainly because of strong gusty winds prevailing over the area. Dust will settle down soon," said V K Soni, the head of the IMD's Environment Monitoring and Research Centre.
Over the past four days, Delhi witnessed maximum temperatures soaring above the 40-degree Celsius mark, intensifying the hot weather conditions.
A partly cloudy sky and very light rain towards the evening may provide marginal relief, the IMD said.
NDTV
Over the past four days, Delhi witnessed maximum temperatures soaring above the 40-degree Celsius mark, intensifying the hot weather conditions.
Strong winds swept across Delhi on Tuesday morning, raising dust and affecting air quality as well as reducing visibility to 1,000 metres, the India Meteorological Department said.
Meteorologists have attributed the dusty conditions to a combination of intense heat in northwest India over the past five days, parched soil due to the absence of rainfall and strong winds that have persisted since midnight.
The wind speed was 30-35 kmph in the early hours. It will come down during the day, allowing the dust to settle down, Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the IMD's regional forecasting centre said.
"Dust concentration has gone up multiple times. The PM10 concentration rose from 140 micrograms per cubic metre at 4 am to 775 micrograms per cubic metre at 8 am. It is mainly because of strong gusty winds prevailing over the area. Dust will settle down soon," said V K Soni, the head of the IMD's Environment Monitoring and Research Centre.
Over the past four days, Delhi witnessed maximum temperatures soaring above the 40-degree Celsius mark, intensifying the hot weather conditions.
A partly cloudy sky and very light rain towards the evening may provide marginal relief, the IMD said.
NDTV
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At least 34 people have died in the past two days as a large swath of the north Indian state Uttar Pradesh swelters under severe heat, officials said Saturday, prompting doctors to advise residents over 60 to stay indoors during the daytime.
The dead were all over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions that may have been exacerbated by the intense heat. The fatalities occurred in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Twenty-three deaths were reported Thursday and another 11 died Friday, Ballia’s Chief Medical Officer Jayant Kumar said.
“All the individuals were suffering from some ailments and their conditions worsened due to the extreme heat,” Kumar told The Associated Press on Saturday. He said most of the deaths were because of heart attack, brain stroke and diarrhea.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...p&cvid=be440778f4ec44fc8dc8da708077491f&ei=43
The dead were all over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions that may have been exacerbated by the intense heat. The fatalities occurred in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the state capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Twenty-three deaths were reported Thursday and another 11 died Friday, Ballia’s Chief Medical Officer Jayant Kumar said.
“All the individuals were suffering from some ailments and their conditions worsened due to the extreme heat,” Kumar told The Associated Press on Saturday. He said most of the deaths were because of heart attack, brain stroke and diarrhea.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...p&cvid=be440778f4ec44fc8dc8da708077491f&ei=43
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LUCKNOW, India (AP) — At least 96 people died in two of India's most populous states over the last several days, officials said Sunday, with swaths of the country reeling from a sweltering heatwave.
The deaths happened in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar where authorities warned residents over 60 and others suffering various maladies to stay indoors during the daytime.
All the fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, totaling 54, were reported in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the state capital. Authorities found out most of those who passed away were over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intense heat.
S. K. Yadav, a medical officer in Ballia, said in the past three days, some 300 patients were admitted to the district hospital for various ailments aggravated by heat.
Due to the gravity of the situation, authorities canceled leave applications of medical personnel in Ballia and provided additional hospital beds in the emergency ward to accommodate the influx of patients.
Officials said most of the admitted patients are aged 60 and above, exhibiting symptoms of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties and heart-related issues.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...p&cvid=add76cf900b5424f90e37333b512b6bb&ei=10
R.S. Pathak, a resident of Ballia who lost his father on Saturday, said that he witnessed an increased flow of patients at the hospital’s emergency ward while attending to his father.
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The deaths happened in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and eastern Bihar where authorities warned residents over 60 and others suffering various maladies to stay indoors during the daytime.
All the fatalities in Uttar Pradesh, totaling 54, were reported in Ballia district, some 300 kilometers (200 miles) southeast of Lucknow, the state capital. Authorities found out most of those who passed away were over 60 years old and had preexisting health conditions, which may have been exacerbated by the intense heat.
S. K. Yadav, a medical officer in Ballia, said in the past three days, some 300 patients were admitted to the district hospital for various ailments aggravated by heat.
Due to the gravity of the situation, authorities canceled leave applications of medical personnel in Ballia and provided additional hospital beds in the emergency ward to accommodate the influx of patients.
Officials said most of the admitted patients are aged 60 and above, exhibiting symptoms of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties and heart-related issues.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...p&cvid=add76cf900b5424f90e37333b512b6bb&ei=10
R.S. Pathak, a resident of Ballia who lost his father on Saturday, said that he witnessed an increased flow of patients at the hospital’s emergency ward while attending to his father.
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jeetu
PPCL Hall of Famer
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Regarding Delhi , very unexpected May and first half of June this year. Very few days of vicious heat in in May-June period. Its still very hot by European standard though. Unexpected rains since mid May pretty much neutralizing chances of typical "44-45 Centigrade" majority days of June's heat.
Curiously in April every weather agency was predicting "EL-Nino" with high heat and low chances of rain. In few days Summer solstice (June 21) will happen after which days will get shorter.
Curiously in April every weather agency was predicting "EL-Nino" with high heat and low chances of rain. In few days Summer solstice (June 21) will happen after which days will get shorter.
daytrader
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Rohit Sharma's take on the issue
[Reporter:]
I just wanted to ask you, you spoke about the pollution in Mumbai. Do you think that is a cause of concern? And also do you think the culture that is there in Mumbai, future generations could be affected by that? Because it is prevalent in Mumbai as well as Delhi.
[Rohit Sharma:]
I mean, in an ideal world, you don't want a situation like this, but I'm pretty sure the concerned people are taking the necessary steps to avoid these kind of situation. It's not ideal, everyone knows that. But obviously, looking at our future generation, your kids, my kids, obviously, it's quite important that they get to live without any fear. So, yeah, every time I get to speak outside of cricket, if we are not discussing cricket, I always talk about this, that you know we have to look after our future generation.
[Reporter:]
I just wanted to ask you, you spoke about the pollution in Mumbai. Do you think that is a cause of concern? And also do you think the culture that is there in Mumbai, future generations could be affected by that? Because it is prevalent in Mumbai as well as Delhi.
[Rohit Sharma:]
I mean, in an ideal world, you don't want a situation like this, but I'm pretty sure the concerned people are taking the necessary steps to avoid these kind of situation. It's not ideal, everyone knows that. But obviously, looking at our future generation, your kids, my kids, obviously, it's quite important that they get to live without any fear. So, yeah, every time I get to speak outside of cricket, if we are not discussing cricket, I always talk about this, that you know we have to look after our future generation.
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Delhi pollution: No school, no play for city's children
Mum, can I please play for a bit longer?"
That is the refrain that six-year-old Vanraj's mother, Pakhi Khanna, is bracing herself to deal with for the next couple of days in the Indian capital Delhi. The 38-year-old has cut her son's outdoor playtime to 30 minutes from two hours; his classes have shifted online this week, and football coaching has been called off.
Vanraj is among thousands of schoolchildren in Delhi whose schedules have abruptly changed due to air pollution rising to alarming levels. Over the past few days, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) - which measures the level of PM 2.5 or fine particulate matter in the air - has consistently crossed the 450 mark, nearly 10 times the acceptable limit. Breathing this toxic air is akin to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day, according to lung specialists.
Things are so bad that Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has asked all schools to remain shut until Friday, with offline classes only for high schoolers. This isn't the first time that air pollution has disrupted learning in Delhi - it has been happening every winter over the past four-five years.
"In fact, the number of days schools are shut due to air pollution has been increasing. Now, classes are disrupted for at least five-six days at a stretch," says Shariq Ahmad, principal of a government school in Kalkaji in south Delhi.
Parents and experts are concerned about the effect of these abrupt breaks in learning and daily routines on children, especially when schedules had just got back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deepa, who works as a domestic help and uses only one name, says that the online model of learning doesn't work for her sons. Abhishek, 12, in the seventh grade, and Prasanna, 10, in the fifth grade, study in a government school.
Since Friday, the school has asked children to study at home, with teachers emailing photos of worksheets to be completed in the morning. But Deepa's family doesn't own a laptop - the children can only access their schoolwork after their mother, who cooks and cleans in many houses, returns home in the afternoon and gives them her mobile phone.
She says that her sons struggle to understand the lessons without help from teachers.
"I worry that this will affect their performance in the exams next month," Deepa says. "I would prefer it if my children wore masks and went to school," she adds.
But Delhi's pollution levels are so high that even masks offer little protection.
Anant Mehra and his wife have completely stopped outdoor playtime for their three-year-old daughter, Mira. On the one hand, they're relieved that her nursery classes have shifted online, but on the other, they say that it's exasperating to get a three-year-old to sit in front of a computer for hours.
Mr Mehra also says that being homebound is making Mira restless and irritable. "She misses her friends; she misses the play-based learning she does in school," he says. He and his wife - who have a hybrid working model - have built their schedule around Mira's nursery hours, so her being at home has an impact on their work day as well.
"Stopping classes abruptly like this is just not sustainable, for schools, students or parents," Mr Mehra says. "The government needs to do something to reduce the pollution, and soon."
While Mira and Vanraj know that they are being stopped from going outside due to "bad air", both of them don't fully understand the dangers of breathing toxic air. For them, air pollution is a recurring hindrance that stops them from playing, meeting friends and having fun.
"As a parent, I want to keep my child safe, but I also don't want to scare him or make him constantly worry about the air he's breathing," Ms Khanna says. "So I have to strike a fine balance when I explain to him why he can't do certain things."
The disruption is also affecting staff. One teacher of English and environmental studies to children aged between seven and 10, says the sudden announcement of online classes throws her plans off track.
She has to suddenly pick lessons that work online - topics that are shorter and easier to comprehend - and then create coursework for her children to practise at home. But she says that she'll have to re-teach these lessons once physical classes resume as many children struggle with online learning.
"This puts a lot of pressure on us because we also have to think about completing the syllabus," said the teacher, who didn't want to be named.
Meanwhile, people like Shreya Nidhi, who is a guardian to her 14-year-old brother, Umang, says that she's disappointed with the government and the way pollution disrupts her brother's learning every year. Before the government's order to shut schools, she had stopped him from attending school even though it meant missing exams.
This had made Umang frustrated and miserable as he was worried about how missing exams would affect his academic year.
"But to me, his health matters more. Since the government isn't doing anything to combat air pollution, we have to take these extreme measures to protect our loved ones," she says.
BBC
Mum, can I please play for a bit longer?"
That is the refrain that six-year-old Vanraj's mother, Pakhi Khanna, is bracing herself to deal with for the next couple of days in the Indian capital Delhi. The 38-year-old has cut her son's outdoor playtime to 30 minutes from two hours; his classes have shifted online this week, and football coaching has been called off.
Vanraj is among thousands of schoolchildren in Delhi whose schedules have abruptly changed due to air pollution rising to alarming levels. Over the past few days, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) - which measures the level of PM 2.5 or fine particulate matter in the air - has consistently crossed the 450 mark, nearly 10 times the acceptable limit. Breathing this toxic air is akin to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day, according to lung specialists.
Things are so bad that Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai has asked all schools to remain shut until Friday, with offline classes only for high schoolers. This isn't the first time that air pollution has disrupted learning in Delhi - it has been happening every winter over the past four-five years.
"In fact, the number of days schools are shut due to air pollution has been increasing. Now, classes are disrupted for at least five-six days at a stretch," says Shariq Ahmad, principal of a government school in Kalkaji in south Delhi.
Parents and experts are concerned about the effect of these abrupt breaks in learning and daily routines on children, especially when schedules had just got back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deepa, who works as a domestic help and uses only one name, says that the online model of learning doesn't work for her sons. Abhishek, 12, in the seventh grade, and Prasanna, 10, in the fifth grade, study in a government school.
Since Friday, the school has asked children to study at home, with teachers emailing photos of worksheets to be completed in the morning. But Deepa's family doesn't own a laptop - the children can only access their schoolwork after their mother, who cooks and cleans in many houses, returns home in the afternoon and gives them her mobile phone.
She says that her sons struggle to understand the lessons without help from teachers.
"I worry that this will affect their performance in the exams next month," Deepa says. "I would prefer it if my children wore masks and went to school," she adds.
But Delhi's pollution levels are so high that even masks offer little protection.
Anant Mehra and his wife have completely stopped outdoor playtime for their three-year-old daughter, Mira. On the one hand, they're relieved that her nursery classes have shifted online, but on the other, they say that it's exasperating to get a three-year-old to sit in front of a computer for hours.
Mr Mehra also says that being homebound is making Mira restless and irritable. "She misses her friends; she misses the play-based learning she does in school," he says. He and his wife - who have a hybrid working model - have built their schedule around Mira's nursery hours, so her being at home has an impact on their work day as well.
"Stopping classes abruptly like this is just not sustainable, for schools, students or parents," Mr Mehra says. "The government needs to do something to reduce the pollution, and soon."
While Mira and Vanraj know that they are being stopped from going outside due to "bad air", both of them don't fully understand the dangers of breathing toxic air. For them, air pollution is a recurring hindrance that stops them from playing, meeting friends and having fun.
"As a parent, I want to keep my child safe, but I also don't want to scare him or make him constantly worry about the air he's breathing," Ms Khanna says. "So I have to strike a fine balance when I explain to him why he can't do certain things."
The disruption is also affecting staff. One teacher of English and environmental studies to children aged between seven and 10, says the sudden announcement of online classes throws her plans off track.
She has to suddenly pick lessons that work online - topics that are shorter and easier to comprehend - and then create coursework for her children to practise at home. But she says that she'll have to re-teach these lessons once physical classes resume as many children struggle with online learning.
"This puts a lot of pressure on us because we also have to think about completing the syllabus," said the teacher, who didn't want to be named.
Meanwhile, people like Shreya Nidhi, who is a guardian to her 14-year-old brother, Umang, says that she's disappointed with the government and the way pollution disrupts her brother's learning every year. Before the government's order to shut schools, she had stopped him from attending school even though it meant missing exams.
This had made Umang frustrated and miserable as he was worried about how missing exams would affect his academic year.
"But to me, his health matters more. Since the government isn't doing anything to combat air pollution, we have to take these extreme measures to protect our loved ones," she says.
BBC
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It's amazing to think that Dehli's population is over 30 million. Pollution is quite usual at this time of year when farmers in neighboring states look to clear their crop residue. And I think it's also common around Diwali. It's a problem in Lahore as well. Can't we just ban crop burning?
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India breaks world record with Diwali oil lamp display - despite air pollution fears
More than 2.2 million lamps burned for 45 minutes as fireworks exploded over a sacred river in north India - just days after two of the country's cities were named the worst in the world for air quality.
Millions of people in India have celebrated Diwali, with residents in Uttar Pradesh setting a Guinness World Record for the mass lighting of oil lamps - despite concerns over air pollution.
At the Saryu river in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh - a state in northern India which borders Nepal - the spectacular lighting of more than 2.22 million oil lamps took place.
news.sky.com
More than 2.2 million lamps burned for 45 minutes as fireworks exploded over a sacred river in north India - just days after two of the country's cities were named the worst in the world for air quality.
Millions of people in India have celebrated Diwali, with residents in Uttar Pradesh setting a Guinness World Record for the mass lighting of oil lamps - despite concerns over air pollution.
At the Saryu river in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh - a state in northern India which borders Nepal - the spectacular lighting of more than 2.22 million oil lamps took place.
India breaks world record with Diwali oil lamp display - despite air pollution fears
More than 2.2 million lamps burned for 45 minutes as fireworks exploded over a sacred river in north India - just days after two of the country's cities were named the worst in the world for air quality.
news.sky.com
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Dia Mirza: The biggest climate issue is egotistical men
When you're a famous Bollywood actress you attract attention wherever you go.Sometimes Dia Mirza can use that attention to her advantage, like when it comes to campaigning about climate change, the cause she is most passionate about.
But sometimes it creates problems.
In the middle of our interview for BBC 100 Women, just as she's discussing the causes of climate change, there is a ring on the bell of the hotel room door.
The staff, learning that she was here, have made a collage of photographs of Mirza, and have come to the door to present the gift.
She's quick to accept the offering politely and as soon as they have left, she resumes making her point.
"The biggest climate issue is a bunch of egotistical men who refuse to change," she says, referring to the heads of multinational corporations.
"The polluters know their choices are killing our planet and our people, so there are really no excuses for them not to change."
Mirza is one of the women featured on this year's BBC 100 Women list, which each year names 100 inspiring and influential women around the world.
In 2023, the list is shining a spotlight on women tackling climate change.
Born and brought up in southern India, surrounded by nature, it was not surprising that Mirza embraced climate activism, even as her career in modelling and films was taking off 20 years ago.
She became a United Nations goodwill ambassador in 2017, speaking out on behalf of the UN's Environment Programme.
During the interview she repeatedly harks back to the days of her childhood, when clothes were always handed down from one generation to the next and there was no shame in reusing items year after year.
It's a practice she says she has revived at home, for example at her son's recent second birthday celebrations, which she planned as a zero plastic, zero waste party. All decorations have been saved for reuse at future events.
"It is necessary to walk the talk and lead by example," she says more than once.
Mirza refuses to use the plastic water bottles served by the hotel, choosing her own metal bottle instead.
"How can I advocate for sustainable living if I don't practise it myself?" she asks.
Much of our conversation focuses on gender equality both in relation to climate change but also about her experiences as a film star.
Mirza was just 19 when she won the Miss Asia Pacific beauty pageant title in 2000.
Reflecting back on that time, Mirza advises, "Never let anyone objectify you.
"I refused to wear two piece swim suit during the Miss Asia Pacific contest as I was not comfortable."
She soon began to pursue a career in modelling but an industry insider told her she was possibly too pretty and too fair and almost certainly too short to be model.
"I don't think I was as affected by what he said as I was impacted by the fact that somebody who knew nothing about me was putting me in a box and was deciding for me what it is that I should or should not do," says Mirza.
Throughout her career, she says she has experienced sexism.
"Allowances [were made] for my male counterparts for being late, being unprofessional and just the kind of hierarchy on a film set at the time was totally patriarchal, and there were so few women on set when I started working," she says.
"We didn't even have toilets for female actors on outside locations."
Despite her early experiences, Mirza is positive about the future and says there are signs that things are improving.
"There was a phase in Indian cinema when women beyond a certain age were not offered the lead roles," she says, pointing out that men would still get leading roles even when they were no longer young.
"We've just released a film called Dhak Dhak, which is a beautiful story about four women from four different age groups who take a motorbike ride.
"It's also only taken the Indian film industry 110 years to tell a story like this. And I've waited 23 years to play a part like this."
Outside of the film industry, Mirza is keen to champion gender equality in other areas too.
In 2021, she got married in a traditional Indian ceremony with a marked difference. Unlike most weddings, her officiant was a female priest .
"I was very impressed with the way the female priest performed the rituals in my friend's wedding," says Mirza.
"And I knew I wanted the same.
"This decision to have a female priest led to a huge online debate in India as to why women are still not allowed to perform certain duties, including being a priest."
This was not the only tradition she broke. She also refused to follow the ritual of Kanyadaan in her wedding, a moment where the bride is given away by her father.
"My maternal grandfather used to say that his daughters were not an object that he could 'give away' in marriage," says Mirza.
"This is a very powerful thought. My mother also said that the ritual of Kanyadaan would not be performed during my wedding."
Source: BBC
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Delhi's air quality index crosses 300, AAP govt instructs authorities to find out reasons
New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that the air quality is deteriorating as winter approaches the national capital. The highest AQI was reported in Wazirpur.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader further informed that the concerned authorities have been instructed to find out the local sources behind the deteriorating air quality.
"Winter is coming and the level of air pollution is increasing. The level has reached the poor category in Delhi. There are 13 hotspots in Delhi where AQI has crossed 300- Wazirpur, Mundka, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector-8, Bawana, Narela, Vivek Vihar, Okhla Phase 2, Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar and RK Puram. The AQI level was highest in Wazirpur...We have instructed the authorities to find out the local sources behind it," Rai said in a press conference.
Earlier, countering the Bharatiya Janata Party over the air pollution in the national capital, Gopal Rai on Friday said that the opposition has no right to comment on this as the BJP government is sleeping in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and the centre."The effect of the adverse condition is visible in the pollution. The speed of the wind is decreasing in Delhi and the temperature is going down rapidly. As a result, the air quality has reached the poor category. In some hotspots, the pollution is more than the poor category... A meeting regarding the hotspots has been called at the Delhi Secretariat at 1 pm today... We are creating a plan while the BJP governments are sleeping in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and the centre... The SC ordered Delhi and the central government to install one smog tower each... The BJP should also go to the Anand Vihar's smog tower installed by them..." said Rai.
"I want to ask them to not create drama. We have increased the green area in Delhi. We have provided electricity for 24 hours and minimised pollution from generators. We have been running electric buses. AAP has reduced pollution and they are increasing it," he added.
Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday reached 'Smog Tower' to protest over the air pollution in the national capital. Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP leader said that Arvind Kejriwal had cheated the people in the national capital in the name of air pollution now their health has been put at risk.
"Today Delhi has become a gas chamber due to blame game politics of the Aam Aadmi Party. They had made big promises that they would make Delhi pollution-free. Look at the condition of Yamuna today and Delhi has become a gas chamber. Aam Aadmi Party bans firecrackers on Diwali but the smog tower on which Rs 23 crore was spent has been locked... The way the Aam Aadmi Party has cheated people in the name of pollution and is working to make Delhi the most poisonous and polluted city, this will be exposed," said Poonawalla.
"This smog tower has been locked since January. It is because of the polluted politics of Arvind Kejriwal that the health of our old citizens and children has been put at risk," he added.
ANI
New Delhi [India], October 18 (ANI): Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that the air quality is deteriorating as winter approaches the national capital. The highest AQI was reported in Wazirpur.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader further informed that the concerned authorities have been instructed to find out the local sources behind the deteriorating air quality.
"Winter is coming and the level of air pollution is increasing. The level has reached the poor category in Delhi. There are 13 hotspots in Delhi where AQI has crossed 300- Wazirpur, Mundka, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector-8, Bawana, Narela, Vivek Vihar, Okhla Phase 2, Punjabi Bagh, Ashok Vihar and RK Puram. The AQI level was highest in Wazirpur...We have instructed the authorities to find out the local sources behind it," Rai said in a press conference.
Earlier, countering the Bharatiya Janata Party over the air pollution in the national capital, Gopal Rai on Friday said that the opposition has no right to comment on this as the BJP government is sleeping in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and the centre."The effect of the adverse condition is visible in the pollution. The speed of the wind is decreasing in Delhi and the temperature is going down rapidly. As a result, the air quality has reached the poor category. In some hotspots, the pollution is more than the poor category... A meeting regarding the hotspots has been called at the Delhi Secretariat at 1 pm today... We are creating a plan while the BJP governments are sleeping in UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and the centre... The SC ordered Delhi and the central government to install one smog tower each... The BJP should also go to the Anand Vihar's smog tower installed by them..." said Rai.
"I want to ask them to not create drama. We have increased the green area in Delhi. We have provided electricity for 24 hours and minimised pollution from generators. We have been running electric buses. AAP has reduced pollution and they are increasing it," he added.
Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday reached 'Smog Tower' to protest over the air pollution in the national capital. Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP leader said that Arvind Kejriwal had cheated the people in the national capital in the name of air pollution now their health has been put at risk.
"Today Delhi has become a gas chamber due to blame game politics of the Aam Aadmi Party. They had made big promises that they would make Delhi pollution-free. Look at the condition of Yamuna today and Delhi has become a gas chamber. Aam Aadmi Party bans firecrackers on Diwali but the smog tower on which Rs 23 crore was spent has been locked... The way the Aam Aadmi Party has cheated people in the name of pollution and is working to make Delhi the most poisonous and polluted city, this will be exposed," said Poonawalla.
"This smog tower has been locked since January. It is because of the polluted politics of Arvind Kejriwal that the health of our old citizens and children has been put at risk," he added.
ANI
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- Sep 11, 2023
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- 26,124
Worry over toxic Delhi air as pollution worsens
Air quality in India's capital Delhi has deteriorated to severe and extremely poor levels in the past few days, data shows.
Pollution levels crossed 25-30 times the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommended safe limit at several locations in the city last week.
Experts have warned that the situation will worsen in the coming days due to weather conditions, use of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali on Thursday and burning of crop remains in neighbouring states.
Delhi and several northern Indian cities report extreme levels of air pollution between October and January every year, causing disruption to businesses, shutting down of schools and offices.
The levels of tiny particulate matter (known as PM 2.5), which can enter deep into the lungs and cause a host of diseases, reached as high as 350 micrograms per cubic metre in some areas on Monday, data from government-run Safar website shows.
According to the website, air quality is categorised as very poor when PM 2.5 levels reach 300 to 400, and it's termed severe when the limit reaches 400-500.
Delhi gets enveloped in a thick blanket of smog every winter due to smoke, dust, low wind speed, vehicular emissions and crop stubble burning.
In November and December, farmers in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana burn crop stubble to clear their fields.
Farming groups say they need financial and technical help to find alternative ways of clearing crop remains but government schemes have so far not been effective.
The smoke from firecrackers set off during Diwali adds to the problem.
Like every year, the Delhi government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage and sale of fireworks ahead of the festival, which falls later this week.
But such bans have not been completely effective in the past as people source fireworks from other states.
The Delhi government has also enacted its Graded Response Action Plan, known as GRAP, to tackle pollution.
It bans all activities which involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency services.
Authorities in Delhi have warned residents to stay indoors as much as possible and have curbed construction activity in the city.
They have also urged people to use public transport to cut vehicular emissions.
Delhi: Worry over toxic air as pollution worsens
Pollution levels in the Indian capital have reached 20-25 times more than the WHO's recommended safe limit.
www.bbc.com
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Air pollution likely killed millions of Indians over a decade, study finds
Prolonged exposure to pollution contributed to millions of deaths across India over a decade, according to a new study that called for stricter air quality regulations.
The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, assessed the link between tiny air pollution particles and mortality between 2009 and 2019 across hundreds of districts. It warned that there could be high rates of death across the country even at pollution levels below the current national air quality standards.
Researchers from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet looked especially into the role played by PM2.5, pollution particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter that are known to enter the lungs and bloodstream and pose major health risks.
“We found that every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase in PM2.5 concentration led to an 8.6 per cent increase in mortality,” study lead author Petter Ljungman said.
The researchers statistically analysed the relationship between changes in air pollution levels and death rates across 655 districts.
They found that around 3.8 million deaths from 2009 to 2019 could be linked to air pollution levels staying above India’s air quality guidelines of 40 micrograms per cubic metre.
A maximum PM2.5 exposure of 119 micrograms per cubic metre was measured in Ghaziabad in northern Uttar Pradesh state and the national capital of New Delhi in 2016.
If WHO’s recommended air quality guidelines of 5 micrograms per cubic meter were applied, the mortality figure across India rose to 16.6 million, researchers said.
The study warned that India’s entire population lived in areas where PM2.5 levels exceeded WHO guidelines, meaning that about 1.4 billion people were exposed throughout the year to air pollution that negatively affected their health.
“The results show that current guidelines in India are not sufficient to protect health. Stricter regulations and measures to reduce emissions are of the utmost importance,” Dr Ljungman said.
“Our study provides evidence that can be used to create better air quality policies, both in India and globally.”
The Indian government launched a national air pollution control programme in 2017, the study noted, but PM2.5 concentrations continued to rise in many parts of the country.
“Our results indicated previous data of disease burden from ambient PM2.5 exposure in India are considerably underestimated,” the researchers said.
The study provided the most accurate assessment of the health impact of air pollution in India to date based on state-of-the-art comprehensive exposure assessment and nationwide mortality data, they added.
Air pollution likely killed millions of Indians over a decade, study finds
Some 3.8 million deaths from 2009 to 2019 can be linked to air pollution levels staying above national air quality guidelines
www.independent.co.uk
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