CAQM

  • Supreme Court Mandates BS-4 Compliant Engines for Delhi Vehicles to Combat Air Pollution

    Supreme Court Mandates BS-4 Compliant Engines for Delhi Vehicles to Combat Air Pollution

    Dec 17, 2025 09:03 pm CST

    The Supreme Court has modified its order on vehicle restrictions in Delhi, now requiring BS-4 compliant engines or newer to operate in the capital. This decision targets older vehicles with BS-III engines that emit significantly higher pollutants, as data shows they contribute substantially to Delhi's severe air pollution. New initiatives including PUCC enforcement and traffic system improvements are being implemented to address the city's deteriorating air quality.

  • Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Improves Slightly to

    Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Improves Slightly to 'Very Poor' Level as City Continues to Battle Hazardous Smog

    Dec 16, 2025 11:19 am CST

    Delhi's air quality showed marginal improvement on Tuesday with AQI at 378, still in the 'very poor' category according to CPCB data. Despite the slight improvement from Monday's 'severe' levels, toxic smog continues to blanket the city, reducing visibility and affecting daily life. Areas like Ghazipur and Anand Vihar recorded 'severe' pollution levels around 410, while flight operations face disruptions and schools have shifted to online learning for younger students.

  • Supreme Court Schedules Critical Hearing on Delhi-NCR

    Supreme Court Schedules Critical Hearing on Delhi-NCR's Severe Air Pollution Crisis for December 17

    Dec 15, 2025 03:10 pm CST

    The Supreme Court has set December 17 for a crucial hearing addressing Delhi-NCR's dangerous air pollution levels, which reached an AQI of 498 on Monday. Chief Justice Surya Kant's bench will evaluate implementation failures of existing pollution control measures, as the capital struggles with its second-worst December air quality day on record, severely impacting public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.

  • Delhi Records Second-Worst December Air Quality with AQI Reaching 461: Health Risks and Emergency Measures Implemented

    Delhi Records Second-Worst December Air Quality with AQI Reaching 461: Health Risks and Emergency Measures Implemented

    Dec 14, 2025 11:47 pm CST

    Delhi experienced its second-worst December air quality day on record with AQI reaching 461, as weak winds and low temperatures trapped dangerous pollutants. Health experts warn of serious risks from prolonged exposure, while authorities implement Stage IV emergency measures under GRAP, banning all construction activities across Delhi-NCR as officials struggle to combat the severe pollution crisis.

  • Record-Breaking Decline in Farm Fires: Punjab and Haryana Report Lowest Stubble Burning Incidents in 5 Years

    Record-Breaking Decline in Farm Fires: Punjab and Haryana Report Lowest Stubble Burning Incidents in 5 Years

    Dec 02, 2025 02:12 am CST

    Farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana have reached their lowest levels in five years during the 2025 paddy harvesting season, with Punjab reporting 5,114 cases (53% reduction from 2024) and Haryana documenting 662 incidents. The Commission for Air Quality Management attributes this success to comprehensive action plans, advanced machinery adoption, and innovative paddy straw utilization methods, significantly improving Delhi-NCR's air quality.

  • 90% Reduction in Stubble Burning Across Punjab and Haryana: Government Reports Progress Amid Delhi

    90% Reduction in Stubble Burning Across Punjab and Haryana: Government Reports Progress Amid Delhi's Air Quality Challenges

    Dec 01, 2025 07:24 pm CST

    The Indian government reports a significant 90% reduction in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana during the 2025 paddy harvesting season compared to 2022 levels. Despite this progress, Delhi-NCR continues to face air pollution challenges from multiple sources, though the capital has recorded its best average AQI levels in eight years with increased "good" air quality days and fewer "severe" pollution days.

  • Supreme Court Demands Time-Bound Action Plan to Combat Delhi

    Supreme Court Demands Time-Bound Action Plan to Combat Delhi's Worsening Air Pollution Crisis

    Dec 01, 2025 07:01 pm CST

    The Supreme Court has instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management and NCR state authorities to develop a concrete, actionable strategy addressing Delhi's persistent air pollution problem. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that while stubble burning contributes to the crisis, it represents just one aspect of a broader environmental challenge requiring coordinated expert solutions rather than political battles.

  • Delhi Air Quality Improves: GRAP Stage-3 Restrictions Lifted as AQI Remains in Very Poor Category

    Delhi Air Quality Improves: GRAP Stage-3 Restrictions Lifted as AQI Remains in Very Poor Category

    Nov 26, 2025 10:27 pm CST

    The Commission for Air Quality Management has revoked GRAP Stage-3 restrictions in Delhi-NCR as air quality showed improvement with AQI at 327. While Stage-1 and Stage-2 measures remain in effect, the 50% work-from-home mandate and school hybrid classes have been discontinued. Officials continue monitoring pollution levels to prevent deterioration during the winter season.

  • Delhi Implements Stricter Anti-Pollution Measures as Air Quality Deteriorates to Very Poor Levels

    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 Balances Environmental Concerns with Development in Delhi

    Supreme Court Balances Environmental Concerns with Development in Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis

    Nov 17, 2025 09:33 pm CST

    The Supreme Court has refused to impose a blanket construction ban in Delhi despite very poor AQI, emphasizing the need to balance environmental protection with development. The Court has requested the Centre to formulate long-term solutions to tackle Delhi's air pollution crisis by November 19, while addressing concerns about air quality monitoring systems and maintaining the structured implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan.