Delhi-NCR Air Pollution News Today Live Updates: Medical emergency in northern India due to stubble burning, says CM Atishi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia on Monday criticized the BJP-led central government for the increasing pollution levels across North India.

In a statement Sisodia emphasized that air pollution is a national crisis, affecting the entire country and not just Delhi.

"Currently, the entire nation is grappling with pollution. We must address this issue beyond political divides, and the BJP needs to take it seriously. This is not a matter to blame solely on the Aam Aadmi Party. North India is heavily affected by stubble burning, and the BJP must recognize its responsibility as the ruling party at the center," Sisodia said.

"After the implementation of GRAP-4, we called a meeting at 12 PM with all the concerned departments. However, the negligence of officials is so high that even after GRAP-4 was enforced, no Head of Department (HOD) attended the meeting. That's why we had to cancel the 12 PM meeting. We have sent notices to all departments for a rescheduled meeting at 3 PM," says Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai.

On pollution issue, AAP leader Manish Sisodia says, "At present, the whole country is suffering from pollution. We have to look at pollution above politics and BJP also has to take it seriously. It is not a subject for which you can blame the Aam Aadmi Party only. At this time the whole of North India is in the grip of severe stubble burning. BJP has to understand that they have a government at the centre... What has their government been doing at the centre for so many years?... Instead of blaming the Aam Aadmi Party, what is the central government doing?... They should take responsibility and what will be achieved by mere rhetoric ..."

Eleven flights were diverted and several delayed at Delhi airport on Monday morning due to low visibility caused by bad weather and pollution, officials said. Of the diverted flights, 10 went to Jaipur and one to Dehradun, with some pilots lacking CAT III training required for low-visibility operations.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) stated that low-visibility procedures are underway, advising passengers to check with airlines for updates. SpiceJet and IndiGo warned of potential delays, citing poor visibility and traffic disruptions. Delhi airport manages around 1,400 daily flight movements.

"All of North India has been plunged into a medical emergency as stubble burning continues unchecked across the country. All cities across the country--in UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, MP and Delhi--are reeling under severe levels of pollution. And yet despite rising severity of stubble burning across India for last 5 years, the Central Govt has taken no concrete step to curb the same. All of North India is paying the price for this, especially children and elderly who are struggling to breathe," said Delhi CM Atishi

"Pollution is a worldwide problem, the number of vehicles has increased, population density has increased, and there has not been proper deliberation on tree plantation, climate change accordingly. After the liberalisation of banks, there has been huge increase in the number of vehicles. A serious step is needed in this regard," said JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit expressing exasperation on air pollution deteriorating to 'severe plus' category in Delhi, stating "It is almost like having a Covid infection, without having any cure for that. The callous manner in which the Delhi government has been dealing this is shameful, and pathetic. I can't tell you how angry I am, I am not angry because I am Congressman, purely because I am a citizen, and I am forced to breathe this air with the government not being concerned in any way. It's shameful that they bring these GRAP-3,4, you don't do anything for the last 6-7 years, and you blame it on stubble burning, it is a convenient excuse, was there no stubble burning 15-20 years ago, Punjab, western UP have been a cradle of paddy for almost 60-70 years, these become a problem, because other forms of pollution is so heavy."

Dusts are everywhere, sewages are not clean, you are not increasing green cover, number of cars increased hugely, because no more buses coming in, no new transport systems are coming up, average gear of cars dropped from 3rd to 1st or 2nd. I also would like to urge the GoI to step in, the situation is so bad, the GoI should actually take over the administration of Delhi, there is just no other way," said Dikshit.

"Today, I want to ask the central government why stubble burning has been increasing over the last 6-7 years. Can the central government tell a single step it has taken to prevent this from happening? If the Punjab government can reduce stubble burning by 80 percent, then why are the cases increasing in other states? Why has the entire North India been pushed into a state of medical emergency?" says Delhi CM Atishi at a press conference.

"The air pollution is at serious levels. The government is taking the necessary steps. In Delhi, both the central, and the state governments are there. It is not only the responsibility of the state government to control pollution. The neighbouring states also have the responsibility. Everyone have to chip in. Samajwadi Party feels that air pollution is a serious problem. The permanent solution can only be reached through deliberations. It should be addressed without any discrimination, politics, both the central, and the state governments should work together," said Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand on air quality plummeting to 'severe plus' category in Delhi.

"GRAP-4 has been enforced, AQI is above 475. People are falling ill. Everyone is coughing. People are suffering because of the bad rule of AAP in last 10 years. If these measures are being put in place, and despite if the pollution is not being controlled, then they have to control the dust, and stop the stubble burning in Punjab, which they are not talking. This situation of Delhi is because of their lack of work. The situation in Delhi is because of Arvind Kejriwal's government, he did not work to control the pollution. They need to work to control the pollution whole year. 40,00,000 vehicles ply on Delhi roads everyday. They don't talk about stubble burning in Punjab," says Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva.

"Delhi's AQI is reaching around 500, which shows that the pollution level in the city is very concerning. The day is not far when Delhi residents will have to wear masks everywhere," says BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal as he distributes masks to people coming out of central secretariat station.

On increasing pollution in Delhi, BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "Delhi is setting new records in terms of air pollution everyday... AAP and Arvind Kejriwal have done nothing in this, they just did politics. Earlier they used to blame stubble burning in Punjab but when they came to power in Punjab, they became silent... Yamuna water is so polluted... Now not BJP but Kailash Gehlot is saying that AAP has failed on pollution and Yamuna... Kailash Gehlot's resignation is proof of AAP's political transformation. This is not Aam Aadmi Party but Kejriwal's special party... When Kailash Gehlot resigned, Sanjay Singh and his gang said there was pressure from ED, and CBI, if there was so much pressure then why did you not expel them from the party?... They (AAP) have not fulfilled any promise..."

On increasing pollution in Delhi, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal says "The people in Delhi have to face this day because of the laxity of AAP and Arvind Kejriwal. Delhi has turned into poisonous smoke and poisonous breath...Delhi is helpless. In 10 years, no concrete steps were taken regarding pollution. Due to this today, Delhi is forced to breathe poisonous air. The responsibility for this lies with Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government..."

Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says "The situation in Delhi is getting worse. People in Delhi are suffering because of the kind of governance by the Delhi Govt. Dust control will have to be done and stubble burning in Punjab will have to stop. The situation of pollution is because of the Delhi government's poor work and people have to face consequences...We have been saying continuously that pollution is not an issue for about 1 month. We will have to work 12 months to solve this issue."

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, MP Praveen Khandelwal distributes masks to people coming out of a metro station. The air pollution has exacerbated to 'severe plus' category in the national capital today.

A toxic foam was seen floating on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj, as residents complained of difficulty in breathing and irritation in the eyes.

A local resident said, "I have been living here for 20 years...This (air pollution) causes burning in the eyes, breathing difficulties, cough and cold. Pollution is very high here. Water is polluted too... We are habituated now. But someone new won't be able to stay here, they would fall ill immediately."

Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai is scheduled to meet with the Heads of Departments (HoDs) from all relevant departments on Monday to discuss the effective implementation of GRAP-IV, his office announced on Sunday.

The meeting will take place at 12 noon at the Delhi Secretariat.

"For the effective implementation of GRAP-IV in Delhi, Environment Minister Gopal Rai will hold a meeting with HoDs of all concerned departments tomorrow at 12 noon at the Delhi Secretariat," the minister's office stated.

Passengers wait at Delhi Railway Station as several trains get delayed due to dense fog in the region.

"I am traveling from Delhi to Agra today. I've been waiting here for an hour now. I am supposed to take the Jhelum Express, which is reported to be delayed by half an hour. The scheduled time was 11.30, but it is expected to arrive by 12," says a passenger, Achal Singh.

Shekhar says, "AQI in Delhi is touching almost 500 right now...I come here for a morning walk and feel a little burning in my eyes and my throat feels scratchy...If I felt this as a young man, what would be the condition of the senior citizens..."

Rahul says, "I have been living in Delhi for 6 years now. I urge the Government to take proper measures, everyone's condition is bad. Environmental action needs to be taken very soon."

Ankit Gujar says, "We have to face a lot of issues here. The air is polluted and breathing is difficult. I live in a village in Amroha district of UP, the air is very pure there."

People carry on with their daily chores even as a dense layer of smog engulfs Delhi, amid deteriorating air quality. Visuals from Sarita Vihar.

Actions under stage-lV ('Severe+' Air Quality) of revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) have come into effect from today in Delhi-NCR. Measures under Stage IV of GRAP include stopping the entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services) and banning construction and demolition activities.

In Delhi, physical classes for all students upto class 9 and class 11 discontinued from today until further orders. Heads of Schools have also been directed to ensure classes in online mode for the students of these classes till further orders. Physical classes for students of class 10 & class 12 will continue as usual.

Delhi's air quality deteriorated further on Monday morning, with a thick blanket of smog covering several areas. The pollution levels dropped to the 'Severe Plus' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was recorded at 483 at 7am.

Ra "I have been living here for 20 years...This (air pollution) causes burning in the eyes, breathing difficulties, cough and cold. Pollution is very high here. Water is polluted too... We are habituated now. But someone new won't be able to stay here, they would fall ill immediately," said Mashish Paswan.

IndiGo Airlines has issued a travel advisory for passengers due to foggy conditions in the national capital on Sunday.

In a post on X, the airline advised travelers to plan ahead by allowing extra time for their journey and checking flight status before departure.

"Fog is currently affecting visibility in Delhi, which may result in slow-moving traffic and delays in flight schedules. We recommend allowing extra travel time and checking flight status before starting your journey. Safe travels!" the advisory stated.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, “This is happening because of the combined impact of the deepening of winter inversion and trapping of high local and regional pollution. We need urgent measures to slow down further loading of pollution from the key sources.”

Delhi CM Atishi posted: “Physical classes shall be discontinued for all students, apart from Class 10 & 12. All schools will hold online classes till further orders.” Grap-4 also gives an option to central and NCR govts to shift to work-from-home for employees.

This severe spike prompted an emergency meeting of the GRAP Sub-Committee.

"Keeping in view the prevailing trend of deteriorating air quality of NCR, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the Sub-Committee today has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-IV of GRAP - 'Severe+' Air Quality (Delhi's AQI > 450), w.e.f. 08:00 AM of 18.11.2024 (tomorrow) in the entire NCR," the CAQM said in a statement on Sunday.