Delhi NCR
Satellite Monitoring Fails to Detect 90% of Farm Fires in Punjab and Haryana: iFOREST Report Reveals
Dec 09, 2025 02:18 am CST
A new report by iFOREST reveals that over 90% of large farm fires in Punjab and Haryana go undetected by official monitoring systems due to farmers shifting stubble-burning to late afternoons. Despite this monitoring gap, burnt areas have decreased by 25-35% in recent years, though approximately 30,000 sq km of paddy fields were still burnt in 2025, significantly impacting air quality in Delhi-NCR and the Indo-Gangetic region.
Delhi Implements Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures as Air Quality Deteriorates to Very Poor Levels
Nov 22, 2025 05:33 pm CST
Delhi has intensified its anti-pollution measures with the Commission for Air Quality Management revising the Graded Response Action Plan as winter approaches. With the capital recording an AQI of 360, classified as 'very poor', authorities have moved GRAP-IV restrictions to GRAP-III level, potentially implementing 50% work-from-home policies for offices and postponing school sporting events to combat the deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region.
Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi NCR for Diwali: Balancing Celebration and Environmental Concerns
Oct 15, 2025 04:34 pm CST
The Supreme Court has permitted the use of green crackers in Delhi NCR during Diwali (October 20-21), citing that smuggled conventional firecrackers cause more damage than regulated green alternatives. The ruling establishes specific time slots for firecracker use and directs pollution monitoring bodies to track air quality, while emphasizing this is a temporary measure balancing cultural celebrations with environmental protection concerns.