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The thick <keyword id="23798559" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toxic-smog" source="keywords">toxic smog</keyword> enveloping Lahore, Pakistan, has now reached alarming levels, with the pollution visible from space, an ANI report says. Satellite imagery from <keyword id="19935155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NASA" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NASA" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NASA">NASA</keyword> reveals that the dense haze has taken over not just Lahore, but several other cities like Multan, making streets and buildings almost impossible to see, a report by Geo News said. According to the Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, Lahore, on Tuesday, turned out to have the most polluted air in the world. At noon today the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore stood at 429 with one locality showing real time AQI reading of 720. The ANI report adds that this severe air pollution is linked to a combination of factors, including agricultural practices like stubble burning, uncontrolled vehicle emissions, outdated industrial practices, and weak environmental regulations. The crisis has become so severe that schools and public spaces have been forced to close. According to <keyword id="20018080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNICEF" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="UNICEF" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="UNICEF">UNICEF</keyword>, the air quality poses an immediate threat to the health of more than 11 million children under five in Punjab. Health officials are sounding the alarm as hospitals fill up with patients suffering from respiratory issues, with a particular increase in children being admitted for treatment. Pakistan’s environment is no stranger to pollution, but experts are now warning that the worsening smog crisis in Lahore is no longer just a seasonal issue. In fact, pollution has worsened to the point where it persists even in the summer months, signalling a deeper, systemic environmental problem. The authorities and environmental experts are calling for urgent reforms. With the smog blocking visibility and causing severe health problems, the situation is no longer something that can be brushed off as typical for South Asia. "As smog continues to persist in Punjab province, I am extremely concerned about the well-being of young children who are forced to breathe polluted, toxic air," Pakistan Unicef representative Abdullah Fadil said in a statement issued in Islamabad. (with ANI inputs)

Lahore’s toxic smog is now visible from space, one area reports 720 AQI

Delhi's skyline on Diwali night was breathtaking — quite literally. Videos of the city illuminated by <keyword id="20008837" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fireworks" source="keywords">fireworks</keyword> have gone viral but many social media users are commenting on the dramatic visual of sparkling fireworks set against an increasingly opaque, smog-filled sky. The combination of Diwali festivities and seasonal pollution pushed the national capital’s air quality to hazardous levels, with the <keyword id="19920379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality-index" source="keywords">Air Quality Index</keyword> (AQI) in some areas surpassing 900, far above the "severe" threshold. <div type="twitter" handle="ANI" handlename="ANI" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1852029729605357829"></div>Despite a citywide ban on firecrackers and other pollution control measures by the Delhi government, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), enforcement proved challenging. The seasonal practice of <keyword id="23758577" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="crop-stubble-burning" source="keywords">crop stubble burning</keyword> in neighbouring states like Punjab and Haryana also contributed to the smog, as calm winds trapped pollutants over the National Capital Region (NCR). On the morning after Diwali, New Delhi and surrounding areas recorded severe pollution levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average AQI reached 361 by 7:30 a.m., indicating <keyword id="23758578" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hazardous-pollution" source="keywords">hazardous pollution</keyword> levels. Most areas across Delhi recorded AQI values exceeding 350, raising health concerns for residents. Specific measurements included 353 in Alipore, 395 in Anand Vihar, 387 in Ashok Vihar, 392 in Bawana, and 395 in Burari Crossing. Other areas, such as Chandni Chowk, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, and <keyword id="20427527" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mathura-road" source="keywords">Mathura Road</keyword>, also saw AQI readings in the high 300s, with values close to or above 390 reported in Jahangirpuri, Punjabi Bagh, North Campus, and Wazirpur. <div type="twitter" handle="ANINewsUP" handlename="ANINewsUP" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1852196426874523701"></div>The high air pollution levels, along with the Yamuna River being blanketed in <keyword id="20541743" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toxic-foam" source="keywords">toxic foam</keyword> due to chemical runoff, are particularly worrisome. Many residents are expressing frustration, noting the need for stricter pollution controls and proactive public health measures. For now, SAFAR has advised residents to avoid all physical activity outdoors and to consult a doctor in case of breathing difficulties, cough, chest discomfort or unusual fatigue. Wearing N-95 or P-100 respirators can be used while going out. As winter approaches and pollution levels continue to rise, Delhi’s air quality issues underscore the importance of sustainable practices and consistent regulatory enforcement to mitigate the city’s annual <keyword id="23758576" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smog-crisis" source="keywords">smog crisis</keyword>. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114805099" title="Delhi air &amp;#39;very poor&amp;#39; all across on Diwali morning; firecracker ban yet to kick into tangible effect" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Delhi’s ‘lit’ skyline on Diwali goes viral; netizens bring attention to the smog-covered skies

The national capital, Delhi, is once again grappling with a severe <keyword id="19900550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Pollution" source="keywords">air pollution</keyword> crisis. With an AQI of 339, the city’s air quality has plummeted into the “very poor” category, casting a thick layer of smog over its residents. This deteriorating air quality poses a significant threat to <keyword id="19913584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Public-Health" source="keywords">public health</keyword> and has prompted widespread concern. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's (IITM) forecast paints a grim picture, predicting that the situation will likely persist for the next few days, with a further dip into the “very poor” category expected by Sunday. This annual decline in air quality is a result of a confluence of factors, including vehicle emissions, <keyword id="23593130" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Construction-Dust" source="keywords">construction dust</keyword>, and most notably, <keyword id="19990732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Stubble-Burning" source="keywords">stubble burning</keyword> in neighbouring states. Despite strict regulations, the practice of stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to the air <keyword id="23291827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pollution-Crisis" source="keywords">pollution crisis</keyword> in Delhi. Particulate matter emitted from this practice exacerbates the pollution levels, leading to a significant deterioration in air quality. The Supreme Court has recently criticised Punjab and Haryana for their failure to comply with anti-pollution laws related to stubble burning, increasing pressure on these states to take action. In response to the deteriorating air quality, the <keyword id="19925995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-Government" source="keywords">Delhi government</keyword> has implemented several measures. The <keyword id="22644303" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Winter-Action-Plan" source="keywords">Winter Action Plan</keyword>, launched in late September, outlines 21 strategies aimed at curbing pollution. These include initiatives such as bio-decomposer spraying to reduce the effects of crop stubble burning and an anti-dust campaign targeting construction sites. Additionally, the Delhi Environment Minister, <keyword id="19931852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gopal-rai" source="keywords">Gopal Rai</keyword>, has introduced further measures to monitor the city’s pollution hotspots. While these efforts are commendable, the challenges posed by the deteriorating air quality remain significant. The combination of low temperatures and calm winds hinders the dispersal of pollutants, making it difficult to improve the air quality. Rainfall, when it occurs, can provide some relief, but the recurring nature of Delhi’s pollution problem highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions. As Delhi continues to grapple with this environmental crisis, it is imperative that both the government and citizens work together to address the root causes of air pollution. Sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and collective action are key to ensuring a healthier and more livable city for all. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114186705" title="Delhi breathing clean air despite Dussehra celebrations, AQI better than before: Gopal Rai" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Delhi's AQI turns "very poor" today; Supreme Court criticises Punjab-Haryana for stubble-burning practices

<ul><li>SC asks Centre to call environmental experts, including from IIT, to the court within 30 minutes.</li><li>The apex court blamed the state government for the high levels of pollution across all major stations in Delhi.</li><li>Pollution level in Delhi peaked to a three-year high on Sunday </li></ul>The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> of India asked the Indian government to call environmental experts from IIT, and other top institutions within half an hour to address the hearing on Delhi’s pollution crisis. It further took serious note of crop burning in Punjab, Haryana and Western UP, says it cannot go unabated every year. “Can we survive in this atmosphere? This is not the way we can survive, Delhi is choking every year and it cannot be done in a civilised country. No one is safe even inside homes; it is atrocious. People are losing precious years of their lives due to pollution,” said SC on Delhi-NCR pollution. The apex court blamed the state government for the high levels of pollution across all major stations in Delhi. SC said it will not tolerate this and make state governments liable for them. Delhi records poorest air quality in 3 years Pollution level in Delhi peaked to a three-year high on Sunday notwithstanding claims of heightened checks and curbs by authorities. The Centre reviewed the situation with the governments of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and announced that Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba would monitor it on a daily basis. After Delhi, all schools up to Class 12 were also closed in the National Capital Region till Tuesday. Heavy smog disrupted traffic at Delhi airport as 37 flights were diverted and more than 250 departures and 300 arrivals were delayed were due to poor visibility, officials said. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the national capital's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 494 at 4 pm on Sunday, the highest since November 6, 2016 when it was 497. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called Delhi a "gas chamber" and blamed stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab for the apocalyptic haze shrouding Delhi. The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution stood at 46% on Friday, the highest so far. It dropped to 17% on Saturday and is expected to be at 12% on Sunday, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR. (With inputs from PTI) See also: <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="71885433" title="These 8 houseplants can save you from plummeting air quality levels" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

SC says bring environmental experts to court within 30 mins over Delhi air crisis

In a shocking development, <keyword id="20321520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lahore" source="keywords">Lahore</keyword> in <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword> is enduring an air pollution crisis that has driven its <keyword id="19918941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-quality" source="keywords">Air Quality</keyword> Index (<keyword id="19916482" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aqi" source="keywords">AQI</keyword>) well above the hazardous mark, crossing 1,000 in recent days. This level is over three times worse than the pollution typically recorded in New <keyword id="19900881" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="keywords">Delhi</keyword>, India, during <keyword id="188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diwali" source="Orion">Diwali</keyword> — a festival known for its own intense pollution spikes. The situation has led local officials to temporarily shut down primary schools and encourage remote work for half of the city’s workforce in a bid to limit exposure to the toxic air. Lahore’s pollution crisis has multiple contributors. Seasonal crop burning in nearby agricultural areas releases smoke and particulate matter into the air, while exhaust from vehicles and low-grade diesel generators further exacerbate the smog. During winter, cold air traps pollutants close to the ground, a phenomenon known as temperature inversion, which prevents pollutants from dispersing and intensifies smog. Lahore, a city of 14 million people, is experiencing the worst of these combined effects, which have led to severe visibility issues and alarming health risks for residents. Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb characterised the spike in Lahore’s pollution as "unexpected," pointing to cross-border pollution carried by winds from India as a key factor. She emphasised that the issue could only be managed through cooperation, adding that Pakistan’s foreign ministry would lead efforts to initiate discussions with Indian authorities. <h2>Understanding AQI and its health impacts</h2>The AQI is a standardised measurement of air pollution levels, ranging from 0 (good) to 500+ (hazardous). Different categories within this scale represent varying health risks. For example, AQI values between 0-50 signify “good” air quality, while levels above 300 are deemed “hazardous” for all populations. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114649550" title="Lahore and Delhi amongst world&amp;#39;s most polluted cities; health warnings issued" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Lahore's recent AQI of over 1,000 — going as high as 1,900 by some accounts — has been described as a severe public health crisis. It’s composed primarily of particulate matter known as PM2.5 — tiny particles that are especially dangerous because they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, leading to long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.<h2>Delhi during Diwali</h2>Delhi is no stranger to pollution spikes, especially during the Diwali season, when fireworks, stubble burning in surrounding states, and vehicle emissions combine to create hazardous air conditions. During Diwali this year, Delhi’s AQI surpassed 400 once again, categorising it as “very poor” to “severe” — even two days after the festival. To combat the issue, authorities implemented a series of emergency measures through the <keyword id="19920169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="graded-response-action-plan" source="keywords">Graded Response Action Plan</keyword> (GRAP), including bans on diesel generators and regular sprinkling of roadways. While these measures offered some relief, Delhi’s air quality remained severely compromised for days. <h2>Long-term health implications</h2>The pollution crisis in cities like Lahore and Delhi poses a substantial long-term health risk. In Lahore, residents could lose an average of 7.5 years of life expectancy if these pollution levels persist, according to the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. Air pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and premature death, highlighting the need for stricter emissions regulations, clean energy initiatives, and cross-border cooperation to tackle the issue. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114836869" title="Delhi’s ‘lit’ skyline on Diwali goes viral; netizens bring attention to the smog-covered skies" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Air pollution is especially dangerous for children, whose lungs are still developing. Children breathe more rapidly than adults, which means they inhale more pollutants relative to their body weight. The <keyword id="19896311" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="keywords">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) reports that prolonged exposure to polluted air can result in severe health complications for children, including asthma, lung infections, and, in extreme cases, irreversible lung damage. South Asia as a whole is deeply affected by this issue, with nearly 600 million children regularly exposed to high levels of air pollution. UNICEF highlights that air pollution is a leading cause of child mortality in the region, with half of all childhood pneumonia cases linked to poor air quality. As cities like Lahore and Delhi grapple with worsening air quality, local governments, international bodies, and communities must prioritise pollution control to protect future generations from the devastating effects of polluted air.

Pakistan shuts down schools as AQI becomes 3x worse than Delhi on Diwali

An ideation and action-oriented group that goes beyond language barriers, demographic differences and geographical boundaries, Warrior Moms is a '<keyword id="17671599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mothers-for-clean-air" source="Orion">Mothers For Clean Air</keyword>' initiative. They unite in the fight against a shared adversary — toxic air. Their collective efforts are aimed at combating <keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">air pollution</keyword> and creating a healthier environment for all. In September 2020, mothers from various parts of India, who are united in their efforts to ensure that children have the fundamental right to breathe unpolluted air, came together on the inaugural UN International Day of <keyword id="6452351" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="clean-air" source="Orion">Clean Air</keyword> and Blue Skies. "If one suffers, everyone does. Therefore, it was time to band together and not only be the change, but demand change as well," says Bhavreen <keyword id="7288" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kandhari" source="Orion">Kandhari</keyword>, co-founder of Warrior Moms. Warrior Moms are committed to fighting the battle for clean air for all children by raising awareness about the sources of air pollution and climate change, educating and empowering citizens to take action, and actively engaging with decision-makers to enforce regulations. With their rallying war cry, 'Enough is Enough', the Warrior Moms raise their collective voices to bring back clean air for children. "As mothers, the common pledge that most of us took when our child entered this world was to protect them and provide the best of everything we could afford. The best schools, the best food, the best facilities, and the best healthcare. When the very air we breathe starts choking us and causing various health ailments, it is time to step up, raise our voices for the future of our country and the well-being of our families," Kandhari said. Warrior mothers inspire and educate fellow moms about their legal rights, encouraging them to report any infringement. "It's called 'Know Your Rights!'" Kandhari explained. The group takes a proactive approach in their actions, but they are also willing to engage in advocacy whenever the need arises, without hesitation. "Our emphasis is placed on the rigorous implementation of laws that are in place to promote clean air. This includes various aspects such as preventing tree felling, discouraging waste burning, controlling the use of fireworks, reducing vehicular emissions, managing construction dust, improving waste management practices, and regulating thermal power plants," she said. The mission of Warrior Moms is to guarantee the implementation of <keyword id="53848" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="air-quality" source="Orion">air quality</keyword> standards set by the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) across India. They achieve this by demanding accountability from the public and private authorities regarding plans to reduce air pollution, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote proven cost-effective solutions, and expanding the movement by empowering more mothers to join and make a significant impact. "As more studies keep coming in from around the world, we are realising the sheer scale of the damage done to the country," Kandhari said. "As mothers learning of these health impacts and seeing that India has higher rates than the world in almost all of them, it motivates us not only when and if our children are sick, but also to worry about their future health," Kandhari said, adding that the analogy of air pollution to cigarettes is particularly poignant when in some cities it is estimated that children breathe in the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day when the smog sets in. Kandhari expressed that as mothers, learning of the health consequences associated with these issues and observe that India has higher rates of such impacts compared to global standards, it serves as a strong motivation. "Our concern extends not only to our children's immediate health when they fall ill but also to their long-term well-being," she said. Delhi-NCR, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are the states where they (Warrior Moms) are currently active. "Environment violations in my opinion equal human rights violations," said <keyword id="5541757" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nina-subramani" source="Orion">Nina Subramani</keyword>, a documentary filmmaker and teacher, who has consistently centered her films on the inherent connection between humanity and the environment. As an educator, she actively engages in conversations with her students about environmental concerns, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing these issues. When the COVID-19 pandemic initially struck India and the nation underwent a lockdown on March 24, 2020, the cacophony of vehicles honking was replaced by the pleasant chirping of birds. During this time, there was a noticeable improvement in air quality, and the discharge of sewage and industrial waste into rivers decreased. "During the lockdown, the improvement in air quality was strikingly apparent. One didn't need to rely on Air Quality Index (<keyword id="2578389" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aqi" source="Orion">AQI</keyword>) readings or reports to perceive the change. It was visible, noticeable through the sense of smell, and palpable while breathing. It became evident that the environment experienced significant improvement due to factors such as reduced traffic congestion on the roads, among others," Subramani said. It was during this period that Subramani became actively involved with Warrior Moms, recognising the heightened significance of joining together and discussing the impact of air pollution on our lives. "I felt that it was more crucial than ever to unite with like-minded individuals and raise awareness about this pressing issue," she said. In today's world, with the widespread availability of social media platforms, information has the ability to spread rapidly, often resembling a rumour. People consume various types of news and unfortunately, sometimes fall victim to misinformation. When it comes to the climate crisis, there is a notable lack of awareness, and false information persists and continues to spread. Despite being only three years old, Warrior Moms is making consistent progress each day, driven by their goal to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes. They are committed to taking proactive steps towards their mission, recognising the importance of generating awareness and working towards policy reforms.

Enough is enough: Indian-led 'warrior moms' rally to combat air pollution and bring back clean air

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) In view of the deadly pollution and smog that have encompassed the national capital, East Delhi lawmaker Gautam Gambhir has decided to install more air purifiers in the constituency. These giant air purifiers are approximately 12 feet in size and cover an area of 1,000 sq mt. The fully automatic machines will deliver 2 lakh cubic metre of clean air every day. In January this year, Gambhir had also inaugurated a first-of-its-kind giant air purifier in the heart of Lajpat Nagar's Central Market which was seen as the pilot project. Due to the positive response of the people in that area and demand from other vicinities, Gambhir is installing more air purifiers in markets across East Delhi. The second giant air purifier will be installed at Gandhi Nagar market which witnesses tremendous activity throughout the day and has a footfall of thousands of people. In terms of technology, the new purifiers are more advanced and have additional features like high mast lights. Speaking about the installation, Gambhir said, "I know that these air purifiers will not solve the problem completely, but something has to be done." "These air purifiers will have a major impact on people living in the nearby areas. I don't believe that getting yourself advertised on every traffic signal is the solution to such a major problem which affects each and every Delhiite especially our elders," he added. Gambhir also spoke about the haphazard approach of the Delhi government in handling such a major crisis even when it knew about stubble burning season in Punjab and despite having massive financial resources. "All that the Kejriwal government has done is getting paid volunteers hold banners and placards at traffic signals for his personal advertisements. They spend hundreds of crores on television and print ads when the same amount could have been utilised in installing air purifiers, buying more sprinkler machines and even artificial rains," he claimed. "They have not even bothered to consult any major environment body to find new ways of fighting this deadly pollution," Gambhir added. The East Delhi MP also questioned the policy of banning fire crackers only a few days before major festivals. He asked the government why it doesn't ban crackers throughout the year when it knows that the air quality of the city is bad. "Why ban them only before festivals? They first gave licences to traders for traditional and green crackers and then banned them as an ad hoc measure. This led to tremendous losses for the shopkeepers and traders in time of the pandemic. They should have made their policy clear from the very beginning," Gambhir saidadded. "They have been asking us to hand over the MCD to them. Instead, he should hand over the Delhi government to us. We promise to spend each and every penny of the massive advertisement fund of Kejriwal for fighting air pollution in the city," he addede. --IANS aka/arm

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Lahore’s toxic smog is now visible from space, one area reports 720 AQI

BI India Bureau

Delhi’s ‘lit’ skyline on Diwali goes viral; netizens bring attention to the smog-covered skies

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Delhi's AQI turns "very poor" today; Supreme Court criticises Punjab-Haryana for stubble-burning practices

BI India Bureau

SC says bring environmental experts to court within 30 mins over Delhi air crisis

BI India Bureau

Pakistan shuts down schools as AQI becomes 3x worse than Delhi on Diwali

Ankush Banerjee

Enough is enough: Indian-led 'warrior moms' rally to combat air pollution and bring back clean air

IANS

Pollution woes: Giant air purifiers to be installed in East Delhi soon

IANS

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