air quality

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) reported that the air quality in several regions of Delhi remained in the "severe category" with an overall air quality index (AQI) of 432 on November 8. People are recommended to refrain from participating in any outdoor physical activity. The AQI is still in the "severe" category, according to SAFAR, because of a huge input of stubble-related pollutants. 

The Haryana Government on October 31 announced the ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in 14 districts. The ban covers districts such as Gurugram, Rohtak, Sonipat, Bhiwani, Charki Dadri, Faridabad, Jind, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panipat Rewari, and Jhajjar. Furthermore, the government's order stated the ban will also apply where the average air quality index was in the ''poor'' category in November last year.  

Air quality in Mumbai has been severely affected due to coal usage in industrial areas, revealed a study by Centre for Science and Environment. Notably, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region burns nearly two million tonnes coal every year with having MSMEs as biggest contributors. While the study showed that four regions – Trans-Thane Creek (highest), Taloja, Ambernath and Dombivali – account for 70% of the pollution, it also suggested an action… read-more

The Delhi government on November 22 stated that a total of 23 anti-smog guns were mounted at the main locations and building sites to tackle dust pollution. Besides, 150 water tankers have also been mobilized for splashing water. The government added that it would increase the number of instruments if situation arose. The government has undertaken these measures under the anti-pollution campaign, "Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh".