Rs 80 Lakh Pollution Fines Imposed In 2 Days In Delhi NCR
Catch all the live updates on Delhi NCR’s air quality here.
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A total penalty of Rs 80 lakh was imposed on violators in the last two days by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign, the CPCB said Saturday.
Delhi’s pollution level is the same as smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day, said an expert on Saturday, 3 November, a day after four areas in Delhi recorded ‘severe’ pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi has become very poor, with doctors saying that it is causing severe harm to the health of the citizens.
Four areas in Delhi recorded "severe" air quality on Friday, 2 November, while 29 areas recorded "very poor" air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
- Central Pollution Control Board on Saturday imposed penalty of Rs 80 lakh on violators in the last two days by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign.
- An installation depicting human lungs has been unveiled at a city hospital with the aim of demonstrating the impact of air pollution on healthy lungs.
- Delhi authorities have issued a slew of directions including a ban on construction activities between 1-10 November.
- 44 out of a total of 50 teams have been deployed in Delhi till 10 November, in order to keep a check on Air Pollution
Rs. 80 Lakh Pollution Fines Imposed In 2 Days In Delhi NCR
A total penalty of Rs. 80 lakh was imposed on violators in the last two days by the teams deployed to monitor implementation of measures to combat pollution in the Delhi NCR under the Clean Air Campaign, the CPCB said Saturday.
An aggressive ten-day-long 'Clean Air Campaign' from November 1 to 10 has been launched by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan to monitor and report polluting activities as well as to ensure quick action.
These teams are visiting different parts of Delhi and adjacent towns of Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida.
(PTI)
Slight Improvement in Delhi Pollution Due to Measures Taken
Several measures imposed in Delhi to check pollution have led to a slight improvement in air quality, according to a report by government-run agency SAFAR, said PTI on Saturday, 3 November.
The air quality index (AQI) has "improved to the lower range of 'very poor' category despite adverse weather conditions, reflecting the impact of reduced base emission", the report said.
The overall AQI in Delhi on Saturday was recorded at 340, which falls in the 'very poor' category, Central Pollution Control Board data said.
However, the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) has predicted deterioration of air quality from Monday.
"Pollution In Delhi Same As Smoking 15-20 Cigarettes A Day," Says Expert
Doctors in the national capital said on Saturday, 3 November, that the impact of air pollution on public health can be compared to smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day, reported PTI. “The impact of the foul air on public health can be compared to smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, founder trustee, Lung Care Foundation, Chairman - Centre for Chest Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Installation Depicting Human Lungs Unveiled at Delhi Hospital
To showcase the ill effects of air pollution, an installation depicting human lungs was unveiled at a city hospital on Saturday, reported PTI.
The lungs in the installation are fitted with white Hepa Filters, which due to exposure to Delhi air will turn black, demonstrating the impact of air pollution on healthy lungs, a statement issued by Sir Ganga Ram hospital said.
The installation is a part of a campaign launched by the Help Delhi Breathe initiative, the Lung Care Foundation and the hospital, the statement said, according to PTI.
Four Areas in Delhi Recorded 'Severe' on Friday
Four areas in Delhi recorded "severe" air quality on Friday while 29 areas recorded "very poor" air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
The SAFAR said the AQI of Delhi-NCR would continue to remain in the upper range of the "very poor" category in the next three days.
Air Quality in Delhi Remains "Very Poor"
Air quality in the city and adjoining areas continued to remain "very poor", the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 a.m was recorded at 368.
Ministers Launch Asthma Manuals For Schools
Ministers Harsh Vardhan and Imran Hussain launched an Asthma manual for schools, to help them build better management plans for emergencies and recognise symptoms among children, especially in cities like Delhi with at least four to five months of poor air quality every year.
On Thursday, 1 November, business venture Blueair collaborated with East Delhi Municipal Corporation to distribute 5,000 N-95 mask among the municipal workers.
(IANS)
Ministers From 4 States Skip Pollution Meet, Kejriwal Blames Centre
Politics and verbal spat intensified as Ministers from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan skipped a crucial meeting on air pollution held in Delhi by Union Environment Ministry.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and Delhi Minister Hussain blamed the Centre for the absence of Ministers from these states.
Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain, who attended the meeting, said the meeting should have been taken seriously.
(IANS)
'Chances of Improvement in Delhi’s Air Quality Minimal'
Green firecrackers have been introduced ahead of Diwali. As of now, there is no chance of improvement in Delhi’s air quality for the next few days, but we are trying our best, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Varshan says.
Around 44 Teams to be Deployed to Check Air Pollution in Delhi
44 out of a total of 50 teams will be deployed in Delhi for the next ten days, starting today, in order to keep a check on Air Pollution. The teams will comprise of officials from the Delhi government, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Board (DPCB), says Dr Harsh Vardhan.
Harsh Vardhan Holds Meeting With Delhi Environment Minister Over Action Plan on Air Pollution
Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is holding a meeting with Delhi Environment Minister over review and action plan on air pollution.
'Delhi's Air Quality on Brink of Turning Severe'
The national capital’s air quality is on the brink of turning severe due to stubble burning in the adjoining regions and unfavorable meteorological conditions, PTI quoted authorities as saying.
The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 392, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category and is just eight points from turning severe.
'Surgical Masks Don’t Help in Curbing Pollutants': IMA Secretary
'Remember to Switch Off Vehicle Engine at Traffic Signals to Prevent Air Pollution'
Delhi-NCR To Observe 'Clean Air Week' from 1 November to 5 November
As the concern grows over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, a 'Clean Air Week' would be organised from 1-5 November by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Delhi government and the four major National Capital Region cities to control the air pollution.
For the ‘Clean Air Week’, 52 teams have been formed to ensure compliance and safety and take quick action.
This decision was taken in a meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday under the Chairmanship of Union Environment Secretary CK Mishra. In the meeting, it was emphasised that all necessary steps should be taken to ensure that air quality levels are not allowed to go into the severe category in the next one week, the statement read.
The teams comprise of the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate as the team leader, senior official from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Delhi will have 44 teams and the cities in NCR region (Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad) shall have two teams each.
Field teams will be supported by the local police to ensure compliance and safety. All the district magistrates and MCD commissioners shall be involved in the campaign and ensure that quick action is taken on the cases of violations reported by the field teams. In case of repeat violations, criminal proceedings against defaulters will be initiated.
The Supreme Court had on October 23 allowed the sale of "green firecrackers." The court observed that the citizens would be allowed to burst crackers only between 8 pm to 10 pm.
Delhi Police and the District Magistrates of Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad have been requested to ensure that these measures were strictly implemented by them in their respective areas.
India Tops in Air Pollution Related Deaths in Children: WHO
Air pollution is proving to be deadly for kids, damaging their brains and infecting them with serious diseases, finds a new World Health Organization (WHO) report. Every day 1.8 billion children, which makes around 93 percent of the world’s children under the age of 15 years, breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk.
The report examines the heavy toll that air pollution has on child health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Tragically, many of them die. The WHO estimates that 600,000 children died in 2016 from acute lower respiratory infections caused by dirty air.
A Doctor Explains How to Protect Yourself From Deadly Pollution
As Delhi-NCR grapples with toxic air again, everyone is worried about what they should or should not be doing to protect themselves from the severe pollution.
Dr Mrinal Sircar, senior pulmonologist from Fortis Hospital, clears all your doubts and tells you what to do and what not to do.
PM 2.5 Levels at 240 While PM 10 Levels at 442 At 9 AM on Wednesday
According to the government-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), air quality in Delhi was ‘very poor’ with the levels of pollutant PM 2.5 touching 240 on Wednesday, 31 October, morning.
At the same time, PM-10 levels in Delhi were 442, which means air quality in the city was categorised as ‘severe'.
(SAFAR)
'Private Vehicles to Be Banned if Pollution Increases'
The Environment Pollution Control Authority on Tuesday said private vehicles will have to be stopped from plying in New Delhi if air pollution continues to worsen.
“Let us hope the air pollution situation in Delhi doesn’t deteriorate or else we will have to stop plying of private vehicles. Only public transport will be used,” Bhure Lal, Chairman, Environment Pollution Control Authority, told ANI.
18 Areas Record 'Severe' Air Quality
Eighteen areas of Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality with the highest AQI at 4 pm recorded at Anand Vihar at 467, according to data by the CPCB.
Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded 'severe' air pollution, crossing the AQI of 400. Greater Noida's air is also on the brink of turning severe, according to the data.
Pollution Likely to Increase Faster: Official
SAFAR attributed the spike to "heavy stubble burning in the last 24 hours and calm winds".
About 28 percent of pollution by PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) on Tuesday was caused due to regional factors like stubble burning, SAFAR officials said.
A SAFAR official said pollution is likely to increase faster now with lead pollutant as PM10 because of new development as shown by SAFAR-model where it is indicating that western disturbances may hit over western Himalayan region from October 31.
"Lot of moisture is already getting introduced in Delhi sky as an early signature. The withdrawal will bring even more moisture in the air and result in fall in temperature. Upper winds already turned north-westerly (stubble site) today. Only favourable thing is that upper wind speed is moderate and fire counts are low," the official said.
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