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Delhi's Yamuna stretch is severely polluted, contributing 76% of the river's pollution. Study highlights untreated sewage and infrastructure gaps, urging immediate intervention.

Delhis Alarming Yamuna Pollution Crisis

A study shows Delhi's Yamuna stretch is heavily polluted, producing 76% of the river's pollution. Urgent action is needed to address untreated sewage and infrastructure shortcomings.

Delhi contributes 76% of Yamuna's pollution, with infrastructure gaps in sewage treatment and sewer connectivity. Political efforts aim at addressing these challenges.

Delhi contributes a staggering 76 per cent of the Yamuna's total pollution load despite accounting for just 2 per cent of its length, a newly published study states. In Delhi, the Yamuna flows for 52 kilometres, of which a critical 22-kilometre segment&mdash; from Wazirabad to Okhla &mdash;has become the focal point of multiple planning and policy efforts.
The study also states that untreated and partially treated sewage discharge remains the primary pollutant of the river.
"While the city generates 792 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage, only 618 MGD is treated. Nearly 30 per cent of this treated water still fails to meet prescribed discharge standards," the study states.
The study by Primus Partners, published on World Environment Day, also states that over 500 unauthorized colonies and 160 villages still lack sewerage access.
"Currently, 37 of the city&rsquo;s sewage treatment plants (STPs) fail to meet discharge norms and several industrial areas continue to release hazardous effluents, compounded by a lack of environmental flow during lean seasons," the study added.
Highlighting the pollution generated by large drains, the study also states that the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains receive waste from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
These together contribute an estimated 80 per cent of the river&rsquo;s pollution load within the city.
The study also includes voices from communities living along the river, like fishermen and boatmen.
"These community members shared how pollution has disrupted their daily lives and contaminated water sources. Despite their profound sadness about the Yamuna&rsquo;s condition, these communities still maintain a strong emotional bond with the river," the study says.
Earlier, the BJP government announced several initiatives to clean up the Yamuna.
The BJP-led Delhi government has plans to construct 40 new decentralized STPs, upgrade the overall sewage treatment capacity, install real-time water quality sensors, etc.
In the first budget of the new state government, the water and sewerage sector was allocated funds of Rs 9,000 crore.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta allocated Rs 500 crore for STP repairs in the budget.

The Delhi government has advanced the December winter break of all schools due to the high level of pollution in the city.

Delhi govt announces early winter break for schools due to pollution

Delhi govt announces early winter break for schools due to pollution
Delhi schools to be remain closed from November 9 to 18
Decision as Delhi air quality remains in 'severe' category

The Delhi government has advanced the December winter break of all schools due to the high level of pollution in the city.

In view of air pollution in the national capital, the December winter break of all schools has been rescheduled and it will be now from November 9 to November 18, a circular of the Delhi Directorate of Education stated on Wednesday.
Earlier, due to bad air quality, holidays were announced from November 3 to November 10. &nbsp;"In the wake of implementation of GRAP-IV measures due to Severe Air Quality prevailing in Delhi and seeing that no respite from such adverse weather conditions in the near future is predicted by the IMO, the Winter Break for the session 2023-24 is ordered to be preponed so that schools can be totally closed and both children and teachers can stay at home," the circular stated "Accordingly, all schools shall observe Winter Break wef. 09th November 2023 (tomorrow) to 18th November 2023 (Saturday)," it stated.
The air quality in Delhi and its suburbs dropped to the severe category again on Wednesday morning, with smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighbouring states accounting for one-third of the air pollution in the national capital.
The city's air quality index stood at 421, worsening from 395 at 4 pm on Tuesday.
Despite a marginal dip, the concentration of PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory system and triggering health problems, exceeded the government-prescribed safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre by seven to eight times in the capital.
It was 30 to 40 times the healthy limit of 15 micrograms per cubic metre set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Several cities across the Indo-Gangetic plains reported hazardous air quality. Neighbouring Ghaziabad (382), Gurugram (370), Noida (348), Greater Noida (474), and Faridabad (396) also reported hazardous air quality.
According to data from the Decision Support System, a numerical model-based framework capable of identifying sources of particulate matter pollution in Delhi, stubble burning in neighbouring states, especially Punjab and Haryana, accounted for 37 percent of the air pollution in Delhi on Tuesday. It is likely to be 33 percent on Wednesday.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-anand-mahindra-shares-solution-to-curb-smog-1699430290669">Delhi air pollution: Anand Mahindra shares solution to curb smog</a>

Amid worsening AQI in Delhi and neighboring states, Reportedly, an official in  Punjab was made to put the stable on fire, while he was trying to aware them consequences of stable burning 
 

Watch: Punjab official's bid to stop stubble burning backfires, farmers force him to ignite stubble

Amid worsening AQI in Delhi and neighboring states, Reportedly, an official in  Punjab was made to put the stable on fire, while he was trying to aware them consequences of stable burning 




Watch: Official made to put stable on fire

The video has gone viral amid depleting pollution levels in Delhi and the local government asking neighbouring states to ensure stubble burning doesn't add to the woe of residents of the national capital.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

As the air quality in Delhi took nosedives, the rising pollution has forced has the Arvind Kejriwal government to shut the schools for two days.&nbsp;
Amid the efforts to stop worsening AQI in the national capital, a video from Punjab's Bhatinda has surfaced online, where a government official is cautioning farmers over the consequences of paddy stubble burning.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-air-pollution-scary-visuals-of-thick-blanket-of-smog-might-make-you-reconsider-your-weekend-plans-1699026751157">Delhi air pollution: scary visuals of thick blanket of smog might make you reconsider your weekend plans</a>
While the official tried to stop farmers from burning stubble, the farmers made him light a matchstick and put a stack of stubble on fire. In the video, the official is seen resisting the farmers, however, all his reasoning failed to convince them.
On Friday, Delhi's Environment Minister requested everyone including the neighbouring states to take precautions and follow an advisory to stop pollution levels from nosediving. The incident took place in Mehma Sarja village on Friday when a team led by a special supervisor went there to check stubble-burning incidents.
The DC said the official was surrounded by a group of 50-60 farmers with allegiance to a farmers' body, took him to a nearby field and forced him to put a heap of stubble on fire.
In the video, farmers could be heard saying that those who came to stop stubble burning were made to set the crop residue on fire.
The video also shows that the official's hand was held by two farmers, as they force him to set the stubble on fire with a matchstick. The video was made by one of the farmers.
"when he (official) was mobbed, what option he could have. He had no choice," DC Parray said.
The DC said that an FIR will be lodged in the matter and those who were behind the incident will be put behind the bars.
&ldquo;I am also visiting the village myself. We will not let it go away. Lawlessness is not something that we will tolerate,&rdquo; said the DC.
&nbsp;The DC said he has already written to the Bathinda SSP, and added that the FIR will be lodged on Saturday.
In a strongly worded post on X, CM Mann said &ldquo;Dear Punjabis, which way are you heading? The government employee went with a message of not burning paddy stubble but he was made to set it on fire&hellip;Guru Sahib ji has given air the status of Guru&hellip;to destroy this, we are ending oxygen meant for our children by taking matchsticks in our hands&hellip; FIR is going to be lodged." Paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana is considered as one of the major reasons behind the alarming spike in air pollution levels in the national capital in October and November. As the window for wheat -- a key Rabi crop -- is very short after paddy harvest, some farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue for sowing of the next crop. &nbsp;Punjab has reported a total of 12,813 stubble-burning incidents till Friday, according to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data.&nbsp;

A study has found out that if pollution situation is not mended in the national capital of India, people might lose about 12 years of their lives.

Delhiites may lose 12 years of their lives due to pollution, according to a new study

A study has found out that if pollution situation is not mended in the national capital of India, people might lose about 12 years of their lives.

A recent study has found Delhi to be the most polluted city in the world. Besides this, the study also says that 18 million residents of the National capital are on the verge of losing about 11.9 years of their lives due to this rising level of pollution. &nbsp;
The study also found that particulate pollution caused by tiny dirty air particles (PM2.5) make an average Indian person's life 5.3 years shorter. This is compared to what their life expectancy would be if the pollution limit of 5 &mu;g/m3 set by the World Health Organization (WHO) was followed.&nbsp;
Even in the least polluted Indian town of Pathankot located in the state of Punjab, particulate pollution is seven times more than what is speculated by WHO. This is apparently because the area has almost three times the population density compared to the rest of the country. Hence, it results in higher pollution from vehicles, factories, and among others.&nbsp;
Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics and creator of AQLI said, "Three-quarters of air pollution's impact on global life expectancy occurs in just six countries; Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria and Indonesia, where people lose one to more than six years of their lives because of the air they breathe.&rdquo;
Also watch: <a title="Air pollution can cause dangerous rise in antibiotic resistance: Global study" href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/air-pollution-can-cause-dangerous-rise-in-antibiotic-resistance-global-study-1691566122615">Air pollution can cause dangerous rise in antibiotic resistance: Global study</a>

According to the Lancet Commission on pollution and health, pollution was the leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally in 2022. 

Pollution: Leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally 

According to the Lancet Commission on pollution and health, pollution was&nbsp;the leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally in 2022.

According to the Lancet Commission on pollution and health, pollution was the leading environmental risk factor for premature death globally in 2022. It caused almost nine million premature deaths worldwide.
WHO also says that air pollution is the cause behind seven million deaths all across the globe each year, which is more than the number of deaths caused due to COVID-19. Air pollution-related health costs are projected to be $ 8.1 trillion annually, or 6.1 per cent of the world&rsquo;s GDP.&nbsp;
A recent study by the Jaslok-Fertile Tree International Centre with IIT Mumbai revealed secondary metabolites of phthalates were derived from plastic products in the ovarian follicles of infertile women. A global decrease in sperm count is also being caused due to air pollutants.&nbsp;
According to another study about 90 per cent of children worldwide spend their early years inhaling poisonous air, causing long term health issues as they grow older. &nbsp;
Also watch: <a title="Air pollution has worse effects on the bone density of postmenopausal women" href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/air-pollution-has-worse-effects-on-the-bone-density-of-postmenopausal-women-1677241435780">Air pollution has worse effects on the bone density of postmenopausal women</a>

Pollution while bad for all living in the city, affects people of different age, gender and social strata very differently. Numerous studies have found the exacerbated effect that pollution has on those coming from a marginalised background. 

Air pollution: equally bad for all? | The Issue 

Air pollution can shorten lives by almost 10 years in the Indian capital, Delhi, the world's most polluted city, says a report by a US research group.  The air pollution in the city is choking its residents, particularly the marginalized. And understanding the severity of the problem is the need of the hour.  

The smog-filled air, which usually covers Indian cities during the winter months, contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 - tiny particles that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases.  

Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world as per a global analysis of air quality as recently as 2022. The report analyses pollution and global health effects for more than 7,000 cities around the world, focusing on two of the most harmful pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide.  

Air pollution is among the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide and leads to lung and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. This risk gets so much more exacerbated when it comes to children. Children are more prone to breathing toxic air, and that's because they breathe more rapidly. And so even lower levels of exposure could mean that they’re breathing more pollutants than adults around them.  

Also watch - Childhood air pollution exposure can prohibit cognitive prowess later in life

Pollution also leads to lower memory and IQ, with infants being most affected in the first 1000 days of their birth, which is when most brain development happens. According to a study conducted in 2017, every 3 minutes, a child died India due to air pollution.  In 2019, close to 160,000 infants in India died within the first month of being born due to air pollution. Over half of the infant deaths were caused by PM 2.5 in the air, while the rest were attributed to household aggravation caused by the use of solid fumes for cooking. 

Like everything else, even the issue of clean air is influenced by many factors. The deadly impact of pollution on children in middle and low-income countries like India was highlighted by a report by the WHO in 2018. In these countries, 98% of all children under five are exposed to PM 2.5 levels above WHO’s air quality guidelines. In comparison, among high income countries, 52% of children under age five are exposed to levels above W.H.O. air quality guidelines.  

Also watch - India's poorest 9 times more likely to die of air pollution than the rich: study 

This isn’t just about global inequality but a matter of class divide within India too. A study has found that poorer households in India bear disproportional impact from pollution caused by others.  Experts say that this pollution hits the poor and marginalized more because they often tend to live and work near industrial sites and tend to burn things like wood, corn, dung or kerosene inside their homes. 

It is also important to remember that things like N95 masks or air purifiers, or even the ability to leave the city for a few weeks when the pollution is at its peak is a privilege that not everybody has can afford. 

Higher income groups indirectly contribute to pollution through the manufacturing of the products they consume as well as their use of transportation and electricity. But wealthier households are shielded from the effects because of access to air conditioning, better health care, and more efficient buildings and clean-energy stoves. 

Also watch - From childhood to old-age: The long-term effects of pollution on brainpower

By virtue of having to carry the domestic burden of cooking within the homes, women after often more susceptible to indoor air pollution, which has direct impact on their reproductive health. Numerous studies done in the past have shown that air pollution increases the risk of premature birth and complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Inhaling particulate matter is increasing the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age.  

The problem of air pollution clearly affects people belonging to diverse backgrounds differently, and therefore solutions to the matter must also be proposed keeping these inequalities in mind. Delhi’s AQI for years now has now surpassed all warnings by the WHO – a good time to take action was years ago, and steps must be taken as swiftly as possible.  

Pollution while bad for all living in the city, affects people of different age, gender and social strata very differently. Numerous studies have found the exacerbated effect that pollution has on those coming from a marginalised background.&nbsp;

Air pollution can shorten lives by almost 10 years in the Indian capital, Delhi, the world's most polluted city, says a report by a US research group. &nbsp;The air pollution in the city is choking its residents, particularly the marginalized. And understanding the severity of the problem is the need of the hour. &nbsp; The smog-filled air, which usually covers Indian cities during the winter months, contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 - tiny particles that can clog lungs and cause a host of diseases. &nbsp; Delhi has been ranked the most polluted city in the world as per a global analysis of air quality as recently as 2022. The report analyses pollution and global health effects for more than 7,000 cities around the world, focusing on two of the most harmful pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide. &nbsp; Air pollution is among the leading causes of premature mortality worldwide and leads to lung and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other illnesses. This risk gets so much more exacerbated when it comes to children. Children are more prone to breathing toxic air, and that's because they breathe more rapidly. And so even lower levels of exposure could mean that they&rsquo;re breathing more pollutants than adults around them. &nbsp; Also watch -<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/childhood-air-pollution-exposure-can-prohibit-cognitive-prowess-later-in-life-1612458280826"> Childhood air pollution exposure can prohibit cognitive prowess later in life</a> Pollution also leads to lower memory and IQ, with infants being most affected in the first 1000 days of their birth, which is when most brain development happens. According to a study conducted in 2017, every 3 minutes, a child died India due to air pollution. &nbsp;In 2019, close to 160,000 infants in India died within the first month of being born due to air pollution. Over half of the infant deaths were caused by PM 2.5 in the air, while the rest were attributed to household aggravation caused by the use of solid fumes for cooking.&nbsp; Like everything else, even the issue of clean air is influenced by many factors. The deadly impact of pollution on children in middle and low-income countries like India was highlighted by a report by the WHO in 2018. In these countries, 98% of all children under five are exposed to PM 2.5 levels above WHO&rsquo;s air quality guidelines. In comparison, among high income countries, 52% of children under age five are exposed to levels above W.H.O. air quality guidelines. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/india-s-poorest-9-times-more-likely-to-die-of-air-pollution-than-the-rich-study-1627967488923">India's poorest 9 times more likely to die of air pollution than the rich: study&nbsp;</a> This isn&rsquo;t just about global inequality but a matter of class divide within India too. A study has found that poorer households in India bear disproportional impact from pollution caused by others. &nbsp;Experts say that this pollution hits the poor and marginalized more because they often tend to live and work near industrial sites and tend to burn things like wood, corn, dung or kerosene inside their homes.&nbsp; It is also important to remember that things like N95 masks or air purifiers, or even the ability to leave the city for a few weeks when the pollution is at its peak is a privilege that not everybody has can afford.&nbsp; Higher income groups indirectly contribute to pollution through the manufacturing of the products they consume as well as their use of transportation and electricity. But wealthier households are shielded from the effects because of access to air conditioning, better health care, and more efficient buildings and clean-energy stoves.&nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/from-childhood-to-old-age-the-long-term-effects-of-pollution-on-brainpower-1637487108895">From childhood to old-age: The long-term effects of pollution on brainpower</a> By virtue of having to carry the domestic burden of cooking within the homes, women after often more susceptible to indoor air pollution, which has direct impact on their reproductive health. Numerous studies done in the past have shown that air pollution increases the risk of premature birth and complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension. Inhaling particulate matter is increasing the prevalence of anaemia among women of reproductive age. &nbsp; The problem of air pollution clearly affects people belonging to diverse backgrounds differently, and therefore solutions to the matter must also be proposed keeping these inequalities in mind. Delhi&rsquo;s AQI for years now has now surpassed all warnings by the WHO &ndash; a good time to take action was years ago, and steps must be taken as swiftly as possible. &nbsp;

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It’s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. 

Air pollution: Delhi's unique conundrum | The Issue 

There’s few cliches left to describe Delhi pollution that have not been used before – something about smoking 50 cigarettes a day, Delhi resembling a post-apocalyptic wasteland, not being able to see even 5 feet away. The descriptors we use don’t change, because the pollution menace unfortunately, also does not change.  

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It’s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. And all of these reasons collectively add to the problem of pollution in the capital around a 2-month window of toxic AQI.  

Also watch - Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution
 
One of the foremost reasons touted to be behind Delhi’s pollution woes is stubble burning – a problem that may have been exacerbated in attempts to curb another climate adversity.   
Punjab and Haryana, surrounding Delhi, are key agricultural states. Farmers here grow rice, and the cultivation of rice requires large amounts of water. This can lead to severe depletion of ground water. In order to curb this problem, in 2009 the government passed The Preservation of Subsoil Water Act. This act bans paddy planting before mid-June at which point rains will replenish the ground water levels.  

Because paddy can’t be planted till mid-June, harvesting of crops is pushed to late in the year, leaving farmers with less time to prepare their fields for the next winter cycle of crops. Lesser time means that farmers have to rely on the quickest and cheapest method of clearing their fields – which unfortunately is stubble burning.  

Also watch - 23.5 lakh premature deaths in India due to pollution in 2019: Lancet

What’s concerning for this year especially is that with a prolonged spell of rains delaying paddy harvesting in some regions of Punjab, farmers are more likely to burn stubble to make up for the lost time and quickly prepare their fields for the next crop, experts say.  

In 2021, Punjab had reported 71,304 farm fires between September 15 and November 30 and 83,002 farm fires in the corresponding period in 2020.  

Smoke clouds from Punjab and Haryana travel to Delhi – and the topography of the region does not help combat the problem. With the Himalayas forming a huge barrier to the north, the smog follows a path through the plains to the bottom of the mountain range. The air begins to accumulate in the region and is unable to escape.  

Since hot air rises and cool air settles, owing to the high mountain range and cooler winter air, the smog is unable to rise, keeping it trapped within the plains – forming a dome over the city of which the first layer is hot lowland air, the second is cold mountain air, and the third is stubble burning smoke mixed with urban pollution.  

Also watch - Delhi: don't have a pollution certificate for your car, your RC could be cancelled


India’s capital is already the most populated city in the world and some estimates say Delhi could be the world’s most populous city by 2028. More people mean more vehicles on the streets, more household pollution and more construction activities. The main pollutant in Delhi’s air right now is PM 2.5, and sources of PM 2.5 can be both internal and external.  

According to a recent study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment, vehicular emissions contribute the highest share to Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels at nearly 50%. The contribution of household pollution has been 12.5%-13.5%, industry has been 9.9%- 13.7%, construction at 6.7%-7.9%, that of waste burning has stood between 4.6%-4.9%, and the contribution of road dust has been 3.6%-4.1%. 

Also watch - Explained: Delhi govt's action plan to curb winter pollution woes 

One cannot talk about pollution in Delhi without mentioning the elephant in the room – crackers at Diwali. With the firecracker ban going up in smoke every year, quite literally: the National capital chokes on a cocktail of noxious chemicals after the festival of lights every year.  

It’s not like the air in Delhi is good all year round and sees just one very brief period of pollution. Between 2016 and 2021 – Delhi saw only 17 good air days and it tops every list for the most polluted cities in the world.  

Several factors that are tough to balance may contribute to the brief, hazardous toxic spike every year – but with clean air elusive for the millions living in Delhi, coming up with a solution to this problem becomes more critical with every passing minute.  

Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It&rsquo;s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with.&nbsp;

There&rsquo;s few cliches left to describe Delhi pollution that have not been used before &ndash; something about smoking 50 cigarettes a day, Delhi resembling a post-apocalyptic wasteland, not being able to see even 5 feet away. The descriptors we use don&rsquo;t change, because the pollution menace unfortunately, also does not change. &nbsp; Why does Delhi then face such extreme pollution, that renders it a hazard for the close to 2.9 crore people living in and around it? It&rsquo;s an amalgamation of several different factors that our National Capital unfortunately just has to deal with. And all of these reasons collectively add to the problem of pollution in the capital around a 2-month window of toxic AQI. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/some-useful-steps-you-can-take-to-minimise-the-effects-of-air-pollution-1666500349674">Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution</a> &nbsp; One of the foremost reasons touted to be behind Delhi&rsquo;s pollution woes is stubble burning &ndash; a problem that may have been exacerbated in attempts to curb another climate adversity. &nbsp;&nbsp; Punjab and Haryana, surrounding Delhi, are key agricultural states. Farmers here grow rice, and the cultivation of rice requires large amounts of water. This can lead to severe depletion of ground water. In order to curb this problem, in 2009 the government passed The Preservation of Subsoil Water Act. This act bans paddy planting before mid-June at which point rains will replenish the ground water levels. &nbsp; Because paddy can&rsquo;t be planted till mid-June, harvesting of crops is pushed to late in the year, leaving farmers with less time to prepare their fields for the next winter cycle of crops. Lesser time means that farmers have to rely on the quickest and cheapest method of clearing their fields &ndash; which unfortunately is stubble burning. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/23-5-lakh-premature-deaths-in-india-due-to-pollution-in-2019-lancet-1652867972139">23.5 lakh premature deaths in India due to pollution in 2019: Lancet</a> What&rsquo;s concerning for this year especially is that with a prolonged spell of rains delaying paddy harvesting in some regions of Punjab, farmers are more likely to burn stubble to make up for the lost time and quickly prepare their fields for the next crop, experts say. &nbsp; In 2021, Punjab had reported 71,304 farm fires between September 15 and November 30 and 83,002 farm fires in the corresponding period in 2020. &nbsp; Smoke clouds from Punjab and Haryana travel to Delhi &ndash; and the topography of the region does not help combat the problem. With the Himalayas forming a huge barrier to the north, the smog follows a path through the plains to the bottom of the mountain range. The air begins to accumulate in the region and is unable to escape. &nbsp; Since hot air rises and cool air settles, owing to the high mountain range and cooler winter air, the smog is unable to rise, keeping it trapped within the plains &ndash; forming a dome over the city of which the first layer is hot lowland air, the second is cold mountain air, and the third is stubble burning smoke mixed with urban pollution. &nbsp; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-don-t-have-a-pollution-certificate-for-your-car-your-rc-could-be-cancelled-1664936346491">Delhi: don't have a pollution certificate for your car, your RC could be cancelled</a> 
India&rsquo;s capital is already the most populated city in the world and some estimates say Delhi could be the world&rsquo;s most populous city by 2028. More people mean more vehicles on the streets, more household pollution and more construction activities. The main pollutant in Delhi&rsquo;s air right now is PM 2.5, and sources of PM 2.5 can be both internal and external. &nbsp; According to a recent study conducted by Centre for Science and Environment, vehicular emissions contribute the highest share to Delhi&rsquo;s PM 2.5 levels at nearly 50%. The contribution of household pollution has been 12.5%-13.5%, industry has been 9.9%- 13.7%, construction at 6.7%-7.9%, that of waste burning has stood between 4.6%-4.9%, and the contribution of road dust has been 3.6%-4.1%.&nbsp;
Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/explained-delhi-govt-s-action-plan-to-curb-winter-pollution-woes-1664556687285">Explained: Delhi govt's action plan to curb winter pollution woes</a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/explained-delhi-govt-s-action-plan-to-curb-winter-pollution-woes-1664556687285">&nbsp;</a> One cannot talk about pollution in Delhi without mentioning the elephant in the room &ndash; crackers at Diwali. With the firecracker ban going up in smoke every year, quite literally: the National capital chokes on a cocktail of noxious chemicals after the festival of lights every year. &nbsp; It&rsquo;s not like the air in Delhi is good all year round and sees just one very brief period of pollution. Between 2016 and 2021 &ndash; Delhi saw only 17 good air days and it tops every list for the most polluted cities in the world. &nbsp; Several factors that are tough to balance may contribute to the brief, hazardous toxic spike every year &ndash; but with clean air elusive for the millions living in Delhi, coming up with a solution to this problem becomes more critical with every passing minute. &nbsp;

Indian capital Delhi is the 4th most polluted city on the list after Rajasthan's Bhiwadi. Delhi's PM2.5 level stands at 92.6 micrograms while Bhiwadi is marginally higher at 92.7 micrograms. 

Out of 100, 64 Indian cities are among world's most polluted, says report

Indian capital Delhi is the 4th most polluted city on the list after Rajasthan's Bhiwadi. Delhi's PM2.5 level stands at 92.6 micrograms while Bhiwadi is marginally higher at 92.7 micrograms.&nbsp;

A 'World Air Quality Report' released by Swiss firm IQAir has placed 64 Indian cities in the top 100 most polluted cities of the world.&nbsp;
The report has studied data taken from 7,300 cities across 131 countries and is based on the PM2.5 levels - tiny pollutant particles or droplets that are two and a half microns or less in width.&nbsp;
In the list led by Pakistan's Lahore, India's Delhi is the 4th most polluted city after Rajasthan's Bhiwadi. Delhi's PM2.5 levels stand at 92.6 micrograms while Bhiwadi is marginally higher at 92.7 micrograms.&nbsp;
There are 4 other Indian cities in the top 10, but it is interesting to note that the report has analysed 'greater' Delhi and the Indian capital New Delhi separately, in terms of pollution levels. New Delhi is ranked 9th on the list with the PM2.5 level at 89.1 micrograms.&nbsp;
Five cities from the state of Bihar have been listed in the top 20 apart from Haryana's Dharuhera, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh, UP's Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida, and Punjab's Faisalabad.&nbsp; According to the report, the economic cost of India's air pollution amounts to $150 billion, which it has attributed majorly to vehicular emissions. It also lists industrial units, coal-fired power plants and biomass burning as other causes of pollution in India.&nbsp; In the list of the world's most polluted countries, India has dropped to 8th place from fifth in 2021. Despite a decline in India's PM 2.5 level, it is still 10 times over the World Health Organisation's safe limit.

Plastics entering the world's oceans have surged since 2005 and could nearly triple by 2040.

Over 171 trillion plastic pieces floating in oceans, reveals study 

Plastics entering the world's oceans have surged since 2005 and could nearly triple by 2040. Find out more.

A new study found that the world's oceans are polluted by nearly 170 trillion pieces of plastic.
The study looked at surface-level plastic pollution data from 11,777 ocean stations in six major marine regions from 1979 to 2019.
Led by the 5 Gyres Institute, the research claimed that plastic production could nearly triple by 2040 if no further action is taken.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/environment/food-waste-far-worse-than-plastic-pollution-here-s-why-1655374447512">Food waste far worse than plastic pollution, here's why!&nbsp;</a>

The public health ministry said 50 districts in Bangkok on March 08 recorded unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles

Bangkok residents suffer due to poor air quality, thousands sick

The public health ministry said 50 districts in Bangkok on March 08 recorded unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles

As pollution reached dangerously high levels in Bangkok this week, nearly 200,000 residents were admitted to hospitals, according to the public health ministry.&nbsp;
For the past few days, the Thai capital, home to over 11 million, has been shrouded in a yellow-grey mix of vehicle fumes, industrial emissions and smoke from agricultural burning.&nbsp;
The public health ministry said 50 districts in Bangkok on March 08 recorded unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles -- so tiny they can enter the bloodstream -- while the following day they remained well above World Health Organization guidelines.
PM2.5 levels have been above safe limits for most of Bangkok since March 06, according to the government's pollution control department.
A doctor at public health ministry urged children and pregnant women to stay indoors on March 08 while adding that any individual stepping outside should wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask.&nbsp;
During another pollution peak in late January and early February, city authorities had urged people to work from home.
A spokesman for Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt -- elected last year with promises to improve the city's environment -- said they would not hesitate to issue another similar order if the situation got worse.
with AFP inputs
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/pollution-spike-in-thailand-air-quality-6th-worst-in-the-world-1675389231952">Pollution spike in Thailand: air quality 6th worst in the world</a>

Pollution spike in Thailand: air quality 6th worst in the world

Media reports suggest that there has been a massive spike in air pollution in the capital city of Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, which has prompted the government to intensify efforts to tackle pollution

Amid rising pollution levels, Thailand authorities have asked people to stay indoors.&nbsp;
Media reports suggest that there has been a massive spike in air pollution in the capital city of Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, which has prompted the government to intensify efforts to curb pollution.
Authorities have asked working professionals to work from home, while for school children, advisories have been issued to avoid outdoor activities.
The exacerbating pollution level has caused smog resulting in poor visibility. Locals are facing breathing issues, and eye burns.
At PM2.5 pollution level, Bangkok is currently the sixth worst polluted city in the world, as per Swiss air quality tracking platform IQAir.&nbsp;
Thailand's pollution control department has blamed stagnant weather conditions, emissions from vehicles and fires on agricultural lands among the factors hampering air quality.
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Pollution in Delhi-NCR: ban on non-essential construction work lifted as air quality improves

"The forecast by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology does not suggest that the AQI would slip into the &ldquo;severe&rdquo; category in the coming days," the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said in an order.

With air pollution in Delhi-NCR ameliorating, the Centre's air quality panel on Wednesday directed authorities to lift the curbs imposed in Delhi-NCR under stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan, including a ban on non-essential construction and demolition work. Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 343 at 4 pm, improving from 385 on Tuesday. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.
"The forecast by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology does not suggest that the AQI would slip into the &ldquo;severe&rdquo; category in the coming days," the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said in an order.
"It is therefore, felt that it is advisable to relax the stringent restrictions and roll back Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect in the entire national capital region (NCR)," the order read.

Ban on construction activities after Delhi AQI deteriorated to 'severe' category

The decision has been taken after Centre's air quality committee observed that Delhi's AQI deteriorated to 'severe' category as it directed the government to impose pollution control measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Action Plan

In the wake of deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the commission for air quality management has put a ban on non-essential construction and demolition activities in the national capital.
The pollution control body said the ban will be effective immediately given the severe air quality being reported in Delhi.
The decision has been taken after Centre's air quality committee observed that Delhi's AQI deteriorated to 'severe' category as it directed the government to impose pollution control measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Action Plan.
The panel also pointed that the air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas will likely worsen, a Times of India report said.
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The problem of too much plastic packaging will not be solved without addressing its evil twin that is food waste.

Not just plastic pollution, food waste is far worst for environment: Analysis

Food waste far worst than plastic pollution, here's why! 

Plastic pollution has been a major factor for climate change but this problem can't be solved without addressing its larger twin; food waste.

Plastic pollution has been a major factor for climate change but this problem can't be solved without addressing its larger twin; food waste.
As per reports, the United States, China and Brazil are responsible for a staggering 44.6 per cent of all the world&rsquo;s plastic packaging and the majority of it is wrapped around food.
If we look at the UN data, 20 to 30 per cent of food produced is wasted. Pertinently, that the environmental problems connected to food are larger than the ones plastic packaging causes. The food humans consume is responsible for 21 to 37 per cent of global climate change.
Consumers mostly waste packaged food because it has gone bad or has expired. Plastic packaging is used to preserve food, but it contributes to food waste. Hence, there is a need to consider food and its packaging as a unit.&nbsp; The issue of food waste cannot be solved in isolation from the issue of plastic packaging. Better serving instructions or smaller packaging could save tonnes of foods from being wasted and therefore reduce food waste. The problems clearly is entwined.
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Bihar's Darbhanga becomes the most polluted city. Other toxic cities also from the state

Bihar's Darbhanga becomes the most polluted city: other toxic cities also from the state

After Darbhanga which tops the toxic city chart, Siwan is the second most polluted city with AQI 460 followed by Begusarai, Saharsa, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Chapra, Katihar, Purnia and Bettiah

Recording an Air Quality Index of 473, Bihar's Darbhanga became the most polluted city in the country, according to the latest data by Central Pollution Control Board
India's 9 other most polluted cities are also Bihar.
After Darbhanga which tops the toxic city chart, Siwan is the second most polluted city with AQI 460 "followed by Begusarai 457, Saharsa 454, Samastipur 437, Muzaffarpur 424, Chapra 420, Katihar 437, Purnia 431 and Bettiah 406," CPCB's 24-hour bulletin further revealed.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/delhi-s-air-quality-slips-back-to-very-poor-category-2-days-after-anti-pollution-curbs-lifted-1668146853544">Delhi's air quality slips back to 'very poor' category; days after anti-pollution curbs lifted</a>
The deteriorating pollution level in these 10 cities made the AQI slip into "severe" category.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.
(With PTI inputs)

Here's how Dutch student's electric car will combat pollution challenges

Here's how Dutch students' electric car will combat pollution challenges

The 'Zem electric car by students of Netherlands Eindhoven university absorbs carbon dioxide of other vehicles using a special filtration system.

The 'Zem electric car by students of Netherlands Eindhoven university absorbs carbon dioxide of other vehicles using a special filtration system.

A team of Dutch students have come up with a car that cleans air as it travels.
The 'Zem' electric car by students of Netherlands Eindhoven university absorbs carbon dioxide of other vehicles using a special filtration system.
This car's interiors are made of recycled plastics and has special carbond dioxide filters that directly capture the polluted air.
The team of 35 students calls the car a direct air capture technology that can absorb upto 2 kg of carbon dioxide for every 20,000 miles.
Reports suggest that the creators don't intent to patent the technology and want car manufacturers to use similar solutions to deal with pollution in the long run.&nbsp;
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Pollution is very likely to hit the cities post Diwali. Let’s have a look at some precautionary steps to minimise the adverse effects of air pollution on our lungs.

Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution

Pollution is very likely to hit the cities post Diwali. Let&rsquo;s have a look at some precautionary steps to minimise the adverse effects of air pollution on our lungs.

Pollution is very likely to hit the cities post Diwali. Let&rsquo;s have a look at some precautionary steps to minimise the adverse effects of air pollution on our lungs: &nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Stay away from friends and family who smoke. Smokers try to step outside to avoid indoor pollution&nbsp;</li>
<li>Avoid stepping out early in the morning or late evening as the air at that time is heavier and more polluted. Try to exercise indoors or between 10 am and 3 pm if you want to step out for it.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Even though people have stopped wearing masks these days, it is advised to wear a mask preferably N95 whenever stepping out. Wear masks even indoors while dusting or cleaning.</li>
<li>Heavy curtains, carpets and door mats should be vacuumed or cleaned at least every 2-3 months so that they don't collect dust or polluted air. &nbsp;</li>
<li>Include more citrus fruits and food rich in antioxidants. Proper nutrition can minimise the effects of pollution on your lungs. &nbsp;</li>
<li>Avoid lighting incense sticks or mosquito coils inside your homes. Try to plant more and more commonly available air purifying indoor plants like snake plant, bamboo or money plant.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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Breating in poisonous air not only damages our lungs but also our gut health. In order to keep yourself fit in this health emergency situation created in Delhi-NCR, consuming these things can be beneficial for you. 

Air pollution: Poisonous air is dangerous for lungs and as well as our digestive system. Make these changes in your diet to minimise the effects of air pollution

Poisonous air not only damages our lungs but also our gut health. In order to keep yourself fit in this health emergency situation created in Delhi-NCR, consuming these things can be beneficial for you. 

Air pollution 2022: Poisonous air is dangerous for lungs and as well as our digestive system. Make these changes in your diet to minimise the effects of air pollution

Poisonous air not only damages our lungs but also our gut health. In order to keep yourself fit in this health emergency situation created in Delhi-NCR, consuming these things can be beneficial for you.&nbsp;

Poisonous air not only damages the lungs but also our digestive system. In order to keep yourself fit in this health emergency situation created in Delhi-NCR, consuming these things can be beneficial for you.&nbsp; &nbsp; Jaggery
It has been proved in many studies, that eating jaggery every day minimises the effects of air pollution. The anti-allergic properties present in jaggery protects us from the problems caused by pollution or smog.&nbsp; &nbsp; Flaxseeds
Rich in phytoestrogens and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds can protect against asthma and allergies caused by air pollution. They are also full of antioxidant properties. &nbsp; Tomato 
To avoid the effects of pollution, include tomatoes in your diet. The antioxidant lycopene present in tomatoes, protects against respiratory problems.&nbsp; &nbsp; Water 
Consuming more and more water is important to flush out the toxins that we breathe in. Water also helps maintaining the supply of oxygen in the body.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/some-useful-steps-you-can-take-to-minimise-the-effects-of-air-pollution-1666500349674">Some useful steps you can take to minimise the effects of air pollution</a>

Delhi: schools to reopen from Nov 9; WFH order amended as air quality improves

Delhi pollution: schools to reopen from Nov 9
Ban on private demolition and construction work to continue
Delhi govt amends work from home directions&nbsp;

Pollution: Delhi schools to reopen from Nov 9

High pollution levels had prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures last week.

The Delhi government on Monday decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of its staff to work from home in view of improvement in the city's air quality.
At a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said there has been a rapid improvement in the air pollution situation in Delhi and farm fires have also reduced. Therefore, it has been decided to lift the curbs imposed under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan in compliance with the direction from the Commission for Air Quality Management
High pollution levels had prompted the Delhi government to announce additional measures last week including the closure of primary schools and work from home for 50 per cent of its staff.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/delhi-pollution-child-rights-body-asks-kejriwal-govt-to-consider-shutting-schools-1667392230455">Delhi pollution: child rights body asks Kejriwal govt to consider shutting schools&nbsp;</a>

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a scathing attack on AAP on Wednesday, saying that there has been a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021 in Punjab and the party has turned the national capital into a gas chamber.

Pollution: political blame game between Centre and AAP as Delhi chokes

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a scathing attack on AAP on Wednesday, saying that there has been a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021 in Punjab and the party has turned the national capital into a gas chamber.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched a scathing attack on AAP on Wednesday, saying that there has been a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021 in Punjab and the party has turned the national capital into a gas chamber.
He also said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has failed to even provide relief to farmers in his own constituency, Sangrur, adding that last year during the period from September 15 to November 2 farm fires in Sangrur stood at 1,266. This year they have shot up by 139 per cent, rising to 3,025.
"Scam is where AAP is. In the last 5 years, the central Government gave Rs 1,347 crore for crop residue management machines to Punjab. The state bought 1,20,000 machines. 11,275 of those machines have gone missing. Money utilisation shows clear incompetence," Yadav said in a series of tweets.
He said as of today, Punjab, a state run by the AAP government, has seen an over 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021. BJP-ruled Haryana has seen a 30.6 per cent drop.
"Just today, Punjab saw 3,634 fires. There is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber," he said.
The Union Minister also claimed that last year, Rs 212 crore were left unspent. This year, the Centre gave Punjab Rs 280 crore for crop residue management machines.
"So about Rs 492 crore was available but the state government chose to sit with the funds forcing helpless farmers to burn the crop residue," he said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Mann accused the BJP of targeting farmers in Punjab over stubble burning because of their earlier protests against the three contentious farm laws of the Centre, which have since been repealed.
Kejriwal said the Punjab government had prepared a plan to give a cash incentive of Rs 2,500 per acre to farmers so that they are not forced to burn stubble.
"The Centre rejected the proposal. They said they won't do anything for the farmers because of their protests against the three farm laws. The central government's hatred for farmers is the reason behind the smoke (from farm fires) all around," Kejriwal claimed.
He said the Delhi government has been doing everything possible to fight air pollution and has strictly implemented curbs on pollution activities under the Graded Response Action Plan. Similarly, the Punjab government has taken all necessary steps to prevent stubble burning.
"If the Centre cannot control air pollution, it should resign. We will then show how to do it," he said.
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SAFAR, a forecasting agency under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, said the share of farm fires in Delhi's PM2.5 pollution stood at 12 per cent on Wednesday. It was 14 per cent on Tuesday, 22 per cent on Monday, 26 per cent on Sunday, the highest this year so far, and 21 per cent on Saturday.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) reported 3,634 farm fires in Punjab on Wednesday, the highest this season so far. The number stood at 1,842 farm fires in Punjab on Tuesday and 2,131 on Monday.
The agrarian state has recorded 21,480 farm fires between September 15, when stubble burning usually begins, and November 2. It had logged 18,066 such incidents during the corresponding period last year.
The CAQM - a statutory body formed in 2021 to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR - last week said the increased incidents of stubble burning in Punjab this year are a "matter of serious concern". &nbsp;Along with unfavourable meteorological conditions, paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major reason behind the alarming spike in the air pollution levels in the national capital in October-November. Farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue before cultivating wheat and vegetables.
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