New Delhi. Air pollution in and around the country’s capital Delhi has reached very serious levels. Air quality index i.e. AQI 481 has been recorded in Delhi. It was 400 in Ghaziabad, 384 in Noida, 446 in Gurugram and 320 in Faridabad. AQI in Delhi had become 475 on Sunday night itself. Due to severe air pollution, a thick blanket of smog was seen in Delhi. Many flights were delayed due to reduced visibility due to this haze. At the same time, there has been news of farmers burning stubble in 400 fields of Punjab amid severe pollution in and around Delhi, like itching in leprosy. If its smoke comes towards Delhi, it can become a big hindrance in reducing pollution.
VIDEO | Thick layer of smog blankets Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Index (AQI) remains is ‘severe’ category in several parts. Visuals from Dhaula Kuan area.#AQI #DelhiAQI #WeatherUpdate
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7, pic.twitter.com/CkYtquBEdU
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 18, 2024
#WATCH Trains’ movement continues amid smog in Delhi. Visuals from New Delhi Railway Station. pic.twitter.com/thUnXHYD0i
— ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2024
Due to continuous pollution in Delhi and AQI being more than 450, Group 4 rules have been implemented. In Delhi, schools have been instructed to run online classes for students up to class 9th and class 11th. Only students of class 10th and 12th will have to go to school. If pollution reaches a more serious condition, then online classes can be started for these also. At the same time, if there is very serious pollution in and around Delhi, the Supreme Court can give a big order today. There is a hearing in the Supreme Court today on pollution in Delhi. During the last hearing, the Supreme Court had reprimanded the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab for not reducing pollution.
VIDEO | Dense #fog on Delhi-Jaipur Highway reduces visibility affecting traffic.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7, pic.twitter.com/cChYcJEGW5
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 18, 2024
VIDEO | Delhi witnesses thick fog cover. Early morning visuals from India Gate area.#DelhiWeather #WeatherUpdate
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7, pic.twitter.com/TsqDvOTgtu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 18, 2024
There is tremendous pollution in Delhi every year during the winter season. Due to burning of stubble by farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Western UP and diesel vehicles coming to Delhi from other states, pollution in and around the country’s capital reaches dangerous levels. Every time pollution increases, GRAP rules are implemented, but till date no concrete steps have been taken to provide permanent relief from poisonous air. The Delhi government blames this pollution on the neighboring states. At the same time, the Central Government says that it takes whatever steps are within its power. For example, the Central Government has recently doubled the amount of fine for burning stubble.
