Delhi Air Pollution Remains Severe, Winter Break Rescheduled

The air quality in Delhi continued to be in the 'severe' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In response to the worsening air quality, the Delhi government announced the rescheduling of the December winter break for all schools. The break will now be from November 9 to November 18.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government has taken strict actions against stubble burning, issuing 1,256 challans, imposing fines of over ₹32 lakh, and filing 72 FIRs. On the same day, Delhi's air quality dropped to the severe category once again, with open burning of garbage, dumping of construction waste, and the use of tandoors in restaurants cited as major contributors to the pollution.

The air quality index (AQI) in different areas of Delhi NCR was recorded with high pollutant levels, with Anand Vihar at 432 AQI, RK Puram at 453 AQI, Punjabi Bagh at 444 AQI, and ITO at 441 AQI. Ghaziabad recorded an average AQI of 443, exceeding the safe limit of PM2.5 by seven to eight times.

In Sector-51, Gurugram, the air quality also dropped to the 'severe' category, with the AQI at 444. To combat the ongoing pollution crisis, Delhi plans to induce artificial rain by cloud seeding at the end of November. The odd-even car rationing scheme and a ban on app-based taxis are being considered by the Supreme Court.

The Haryana government has reported that 90% of paddy harvesting has been completed, and measures to combat stubble burning are being strengthened. In Gautam Buddh Nagar, industries and builders have been directed to ramp up anti-pollution measures, and government officials have been instructed to take penal action against violators of NGT norms.

Despite the efforts being made by the government and authorities, the severe air pollution in Delhi NCR remains a major concern. The need for long-term solutions to address this issue is becoming increasingly urgent.