air quality
Supreme Court Questions Delhi Toll Plazas: Environmental Impact and Traffic Crisis at City Borders
Dec 17, 2025 08:27 pm CST
The Supreme Court has issued a sharp notice to NHAI and MCD regarding toll plazas at Delhi's entry points, particularly the Delhi-Gurgaon border, citing severe traffic congestion that worsens air pollution. Chief Justice Surya Kant suggested suspending toll collection until January 31, questioning the prioritization of revenue over public health during peak pollution periods.
NASA Research Reveals Shift in Stubble Burning Timing Worsens North India's Air Pollution Crisis
Dec 16, 2025 05:44 pm CST
NASA scientists have identified a significant shift in stubble burning patterns across northern India, with farmers now setting fires later in the evening rather than afternoon. This timing change complicates pollution monitoring efforts and may worsen air quality as evening conditions allow pollutants to accumulate more efficiently overnight. Satellite data shows this pattern shifting from 1-2 PM to 4-6 PM burning times, contributing to hazardous air quality levels across the Indo-Gangetic Plain during post-harvest seasons.
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 Air Crisis: Sonia Gandhi Urges Immediate Government Action as Vulnerable Populations Suffer
Dec 04, 2025 03:55 pm CST
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi demands urgent government intervention to address Delhi-NCR's worsening air pollution crisis, emphasizing its severe impact on children and elderly citizens. Opposition leaders protest outside Parliament wearing oxygen masks, calling for the declaration of pollution as a national health emergency and substantive measures beyond annual promises.
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.
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.
Soni Razdan Demands Urgent Action Against Mumbai's Worsening Winter Smog Crisis
Nov 28, 2025 03:01 pm CST
Actress Soni Razdan calls for immediate seasonal measures to address Mumbai's deteriorating air quality, highlighting how winter conditions worsen pollution levels as land and sea breezes weaken. She urges authorities to implement special regulations for construction activities during winter months to combat the severe smog affecting the city.
Delhi Air Pollution Crisis: 80% Residents Face Health Issues, 68% Seek Medical Help, Study Reveals
Nov 28, 2025 02:45 am CST
A comprehensive survey of 4,000 Delhi-NCR residents reveals alarming health impacts of air pollution, with over 80% experiencing persistent respiratory issues and 68% seeking medical help. The study shows 76% of residents limiting outdoor activities while 79% consider relocating, creating both a public health emergency and financial burden as 85% report increased household expenses due to pollution-related costs.
Supreme Court Admits Limitations in Solving Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Crisis
Nov 27, 2025 03:57 pm CST
The Supreme Court of India acknowledged it has "no magic wand" to immediately solve Delhi-NCR's severe air pollution problem, promising continuous monitoring instead of seasonal attention. Led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, the Court recognized the complex nature of the pollution crisis and committed to regular hearings to address the ongoing health emergency affecting the national capital region.
Ethiopian Volcanic Ash Cloud Over Delhi: Impact on Aviation and Air Quality Explained
Nov 25, 2025 01:04 pm CST
A high-altitude volcanic ash cloud from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano has reached Delhi, disrupting flight operations across India. The plume, traveling at speeds up to 120 km/hour, contains sulphur dioxide and fine ash particles but remains at 25,000-45,000 feet, minimizing impact on Delhi's ground-level air quality. Aviation authorities have issued warnings, leading to flight adjustments rather than complete shutdowns as the cloud moves eastward toward China.