New Delhi:

 Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over Delhi getting the tag of the most polluted capital city in the world, calling it a matter of “national shame” and a health emergency like situation warranting serious pondering.

Mr Saxena also sought to corner the Kejriwal government on the issue of pollution, saying the World Air Quality Report 2023 paints a “grim” picture.

“This dubious distinction is a matter of national shame and collective concern. With Delhi being the second most polluted Capital in the world in 2022 and the most polluted Capital city in the world in 2021, I am sure that this report card of nine years of your government is not one which you would be proud of. The much talked about Delhi model is shrouded in a haze of smog,” the LG wrote.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) dubbed the language of LG’s letter “rude, curt and bordering on abusive”.

“We strongly condemn the use of such a despicable language by the LG,” the AAP said in a statement.

Mr Saxena said that he has flagged the issue of air pollution in last two years by writing to the chief ministers, including him, but to no avail.

“I am underlining this to deter you from getting into a political blame game, as has been your wont, whenever faced with tough questions,” he said in his letter.

The World Air Quality Report 2023 raises a red flag over the abnormally high PM 2.5 levels, two fifth of which is attributable to vehicular emissions. There are other factors like road dust, open burning etc. which also contribute to high particulate matter in the air, the LG said.

“There are regular reports of increased admissions in city hospitals with children and the elderly suffering the most from respiratory ailments. This state-of-affairs, year after year, is so alarming that it is nothing short of a public health emergency, apart from contravening the very basic natural and fundamental right to life, of the people of Delhi,” he stated.

Pointing to hazardous air quality in the city during winters, Mr Saxena further said “any self-respecting leader” would have owned up the responsibility for the same and would have taken concrete steps to address this concern by taking definitive steps and bold measures.

“Sadly, you choose to do neither and make it an exercise of polemics, which ultimately turns into a political slugfest, with one authority blaming the other, even as citizens suffer silently,” he charged.

Mr Saxena cited global examples of political leaders addressing the air pollution issues, including the great smog of London and grey skies of Beijing, through determined leadership.

He said no problem is insurmountable if efforts are made with sincerity, commitment and a lot of hard work.

The LG underlined that Delhi houses foreign missions and diplomats live in the city whom he expected to be highlighting the air pollution problem in their dispatches to home countries.

“The international community would be perplexed with the duality of India which is rising on the global stage, while its National Capital languishes with the worst air quality in the world,” he said.

Mr Saxena said the very least which people expect from their elected government is breathable air and good quality potable water.

“I hope you will find some time in your busy schedule of electioneering to ponder over this grave issue with the seriousness that it deserves. This is a matter which cannot be allowed to pass with frivolity,” he said to Mr Kejriwal.

The LG also pointed to Yamuna pollution, saying it was distressing to see that the gravity of the situation was “ignored” by the chief minister.

Mr Saxena said he found it “bewildering” that when he raised an issue of such nature, the minister in charge passed it on to the chief secretary directing him to fix the problems piled up over the years because of “inaction” of the Delhi government within a week.

Mr Saxena claimed that he was writing the letter as a “conscience keeper” and underscored that if the chief minister does not find any solutions, he will be “constitutionally obliged” to render his duties towards the people of Delhi and will not stand as a silent spectator.

The Delhi government systematically confronts the issue head-on, displaying the diligence of a responsible administration, said the ruling party in a statement.

“We have installed an AQI monitor every 40 kilometers, such a robust monitoring mechanism is nowhere else in the country. This comprehensive level of monitoring enables us to accurately gauge pollution levels, a capability lacking in other states,” it said.

The ruling party said the gravity of issue of air pollution was “solemnly” acknowledged.

“Our unwavering commitment to its resolution is evident through our tireless efforts. With meticulous planning and execution, all 1,800 industries in Delhi have seamlessly transitioned to PNG fuels, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards environmental sustainability. Furthermore, our city boasts its highest green cover to date, standing at 23.6 percent,” the AAP said.

The Delhi government has diligently undertaken over 10 significant Yamuna rejuvenation projects, expending a total of Rs 1,080 crores, the party said.

“The LG in his letter says that he will take over the functioning of elected govt rather than remaining a mute spectator. Such a statement shows that LG does not have the correct knowledge of our Constitution,” the AAP said.

There is clear division of powers and responsibilities. Howsoever anguished anyone might feel about the functioning of another organ, he does not have the right to encroach upon its domain, the party added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

This image provided by Maxar Technologies shows overview of Rafah border crossing, between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on November 1, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP

Israel-Hamas war | Gaza crossing opens for foreigners and wounded

After more than three weeks of siege, the first Palestinians — dozens of dual passport holders and seriously injured — were allowed to leave Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes pounded a refugee camp for the second day on Wednesday.

Even as bombings have driven tens of thousands from their homes and food, water and fuel run low, no one has been allowed to leave the embattled enclave, except for four hostages released by Hamas. Another captive was rescued by Israeli forces earlier this week. But a limited agreement appeared to have been reached on Wednesday.

GST collections rise to ₹1.72 lakh crore in October

Growth in India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues bounced back in October with tax collections rising at a 10-month high pace of 13.4% to hit the second highest monthly tally of ₹1.72 lakh crore.

October’s GST receipts were 5.7% over the kitty in September, when growth in the indirect tax had slowed to a 27-month low of 10.2%. The 13.4% revenue growth marks the sharpest year-on-year uptick since December 2022 and breaks a three-month streak of deceleration.

Selective confidentiality in electoral bonds scheme may not prevent ruling party from knowing about Opposition donors: SC

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that the electoral bonds scheme only offered a “selective confidentiality”, which does not prevent the ruling party from unearthing the identities of donors to Opposition parties and then hounding them through its investigative agencies.

Ban on construction if ‘severe’ air quality lasts in Delhi

Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Wednesday said construction activities will be halted within a 1-km radius of the city’s pollution hotspots if the air quality in these areas remains “severe” for one week.

Wednesday marked the fifth consecutive day when Delhi’s overall air quality remained in the “very poor” category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality in some parts of the Capital was “severe”, and the city is likely to have “very poor” air for the rest of the week, it showed.

Risk of type 2 diabetes linked to air pollution in Chennai, Delhi 

Two studies published in international journals have reported a worrying link between air pollution levels and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Chennai and Delhi. The study is notable not because the findings are new – they aren’t unprecedented – but because they have found that the link, which has been indicated in Western countries and more recently in China as well, also holds in urban India.

Maharashtra government in favour of Maratha quota, says CM Shinde; pro-quota campaigner urged to call off indefinite fast

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on November 1 confirmed the State government’s support for Maratha reservation and urged the pro-quota campaigner Manoj Jarange Patil to terminate his indefinite fast.

Emphasising the necessity for Mr Patil cooperation in securing reservation for the community, Mr. Shinde also underscored the call for restraint among the Maratha populace

Kerala blasts: Accused unrepentant during interrogation, says he has proved a point

Martin V.D., the sole accused in the multiple explosions at a Jehovah’s Witnesses religious gathering at Kalamassery in Kochi, Kerala, on October 29, 2023 showed no remorse whatsoever at the time of questioning as he stood firm on his act that resulted in the death of two women and a 12-year-old child.

Saima Wazed, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, nominated Regional Director of WHO

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, was on Wednesday nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia region.

She defeated Shambu Acharya, a public health veteran from Nepal, in a vote held here during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia Region. 

State DGP appointees must have at least six months to retire; those on deputation need Central consent: amended UPSC guidelines

Only police officers with at least six months of service left before retirement will be considered for appointment as the Director General of Police of a State, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said in amended guidelines issued last month.

In another change, the Empanelment Committee constituted by the UPSC will not assess Indian Police Service (IPS) officers on central deputation for a State DGP’s post if the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informs the State government that “it will not be possible to relieve the officers.”

Biden Nominates Indo-Pacific Lead Campbell as Blinken’s Deputy

U.S. President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, announced that he had nominated his Indo-Pacific policy chief Kurt Campbell for the Deputy Secretary of State position. The announcement, which was expected, will give Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s team a renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific region in the face of competing strategic imperatives, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in West Asia.

Magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes Timor, Indonesia

An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck the Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province on Thursday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

The Indonesian geological agency (BMKG) pegged the magnitude at 6.3 with no tsunami potential. The epicentre of the quake was onshore and at a depth of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), located 15 kilometres from the capital of East Nusa Tenggara province, Kupang.

Fireworks on display after India won the match against England in the ODI World Cup 2023 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. There will be no fireworks display for the remaining matches in Delhi and Mumbai.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The BCCI has banned the display of fireworks during the remaining World Cup games in Delhi and Mumbai due to worsening air quality in the two mega cities.

Delhi has only one match left to host, the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game on November 6, while Mumbai are scheduled to host two more league games, on November 2 and November 7, and the semifinal on November 15.

“BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level,” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a statement on Wednesday.

“The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront. The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi.

“While we strive to host the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of all our stakeholders.”

Delhi’s air quality remained in the “very poor” category for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday with an air quality index (AQI) of 372.

The pollution situation has been alarming in Mumbai also.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the “deteriorating” air quality index in Mumbai while taking suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the issue.

New Delhi:

Winter is approaching, so is bad air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Crop-residue or stubble burning in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana is likely to add to the city’s worsening air quality index, or AQI.

We look at the farm fire situation in Punjab, based on data and imagery from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that has been tracking the situation for the past few years.

On October 25, 2019, the dots you see on this map of Punjab are of farm fires. It changes every year.

On October 25, 2020, the dots representing farm fires remain similar.

The same dots are seen every year – 2021, 2022, 2023 – in the sample imagery taken on the same date.

Now, just a couple of hours ago today, the NASA imagery shows a large area with the red dots, showing significant farm fires in Punjab.

To understand the data, we need to look at the trends between October 1 and 25, i.e. today. The data gives some interesting insights into the problem.

Between 2012 and now, except 2016, when farm fires really raged across Punjab, there has been a broad downward trend in crop residue burning. For example, 2020. But if you see 2023, the number indicates stubble burning in Punjab has been at its lowest since 2012.

“I was surprised to see that the fires in Punjab and Haryana have been lowest. We have never seen such low farm fires trend. There could be two reasons – the burning season has been delayed for some reason. It seems rainfall was in excess in Haryana and Punjab this July and August, which destroyed some crops,” Hiren Jethva, Senior Research Scientist at Morgan State University NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, told NDTV today.

“I am a bit afraid the (burning) season has been delayed, and we haven’t seen the big fires, likely to happen in the coming two weeks,” the scientist said.

Delhi’s air quality was recorded in the “poor” category for a third day running on Wednesday and a major improvement is unlikely over the next few days, according to monitoring agencies. The city’s average air quality index (AQI) stood at 238 at 10 am, worsening from 220 at 4 pm on Tuesday.

The average AQI was 196 in neighbouring Ghaziabad, 258 in Faridabad, 176 in Gurugram, 200 in Noida and 248 in Greater Noida.

According to the Centre’s Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the city’s air quality is likely to oscillate between the “poor” and “very poor” categories over the next four to five days.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

Delhi’s air quality had turned “very poor” on Sunday for the first time since May, mainly due to a drop in temperature and wind speed, which allowed pollutants to accumulate.

Water is being sprayed to control air pollution at ring road, In New Delhi on October 22, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

The government has identified eight more pollution hotspots in addition to the existing 13 in the national capital, and special teams will be deployed there to check pollution sources, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on October 23.

After a meeting with 28 departments to ensure the effective implementation of pollution mitigation measures in the capital, Mr. Rai said the government has also decided to use dust suppressant powder to prevent dust pollution in the city.

Delhi’s air quality turned “very poor” on October 22 for the first time since May, mainly due to a drop in temperature and wind speed, which allowed pollutants to accumulate.

“In addition to the 13 existing air pollution hotspots in Delhi, we are focusing on eight places where the AQI has exceeded the 300-mark. These locations include Shadipur, ITO, Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar, Patparganj, Sonia Vihar, Dhyan Chand Stadium, and Moti Bagh,” the Minister told a press conference.

He added that special teams will be deployed at the eight places to identify pollution sources and take corrective measures in collaboration with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

Mr. Rai also mentioned that District Collectors have been instructed to conduct field visits on October 25 and ensure the strict implementation of pollution mitigation measures.

“Directions have also been issued to use dust suppressant powder in anti-smog guns to prevent dust pollution. The anti-dust campaign will be strengthened, and more field visits will be conducted,” he said.

New Delhi:

The fields of Punjab are again black with burnt stubble ahead of winter. The air is smoky, likely toxic. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi had blamed Punjab’s farm fires for air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2021.

A year later, the AAP came to power in Punjab, and had promised it would control stubble burning. Now, two years later, stubble-burning in the border state is back again.

Sources said the AAP has not done any effective work to ensure the deadly farm fires do not return.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, calling himself the “son of a farmer”, had met farmer leaders to persuade them not to burn crop stubble. He had claimed many panchayats in Punjab even passed resolutions against burning of crop residue.

His Delhi counterpart and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal last year said, “I expect that from next year, stubble burning incidents will come down. We will take steps to ensure this. Both our governments are responsible for stubble-burning in Punjab.”

This year, Mr Kejriwal said case of stubble-burning have fallen significantly.

But Punjab farmers are back to burning crop residue at the onset of the harvesting season. Many farmers have complained that access to crushing machines like bailers and seeders are still unfulfilled goals.

Mr Mann’s call for crop diversification, too, has not been helpful as alternative crops are still expensive for farmers to afford. The farmers say they are not behind air pollution, but are also the victims of this menace.

Though farm fire cases have reduced in the past two years, over 30,000 acres were still set on fire last year. The number of farm fire cases reported in the past two years till now was: 2021 (320), 2022 (630) and 2023 (845).

The number of stubble-burning cases reported between September and October this year is as high as 845, up from less than 600 last year.

Delhi’s air quality has fallen from “poor” to “very poor” category, and the particulate matter PM2.5 levels are 60 times more than the World Health Organisation’s safe limit.

The graded action response plan (GARP) level 1 has kicked in and the impact in Delhi is clearly visible.

The first stage of the emergency pollution plan has led to a blanket ban on coal and firewood and restriction on truck traffic in Delhi.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 231 at 9 am. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.