Tag: Air Pollution in Delhi NCR

Pollution is Causing Breathing Issues in Animals

Pollution is Causing Breathing Issues in Animals and Birds Too

By LokMarg

Pankaj Bhardwaj, a veterinarian practising in Delhi-NCR, says he sees an increasing number of cases chronic bronchitis and inflammatory airways among pets. His views

Of late, I have been witnessing a distressing trend that transcends the boundaries of all living species – a surge in asthma cases not only among humans but also within the intricate tapestry of our animal and bird communities. The ever-rising pollution levels in the region have cast a gloomy shadow over the respiratory health of our beloved pets and the diverse wildlife that calls this area home. 

Delhi NCR, with its myriad of challenges, has become a crucible where the fates of humans and animals intertwine amidst a backdrop of worsening air quality. The metropolis, notorious for its high levels of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants, has become a testing ground for the resilience of both domesticated pets and the untamed creatures that navigate the urban wilderness. 

For our domestic companions, the confines of our homes, once considered safe havens, now harbor invisible threats. Indoor pollutants, a toxic blend of household cleaners, air fresheners, and volatile organic compounds, join forces with external pollutants seeping in from the polluted outdoors. Dogs, cats, and other pets are experiencing respiratory distress—wheezing, coughing, and struggling for breath. 

Dogs, cats, and horses share human-exposed hazards. Indoor carcinogens contribute to lung and nasal cancer in dogs, while passive smoking elevates malignant lymphoma incidence in cats. Urban air pollution heightens risks for dogs with chronic bronchitis and cats with inflammatory airway diseases. It’s heart-wrenching to see animals that once thrived in the comforting embrace of their homes now grappling with the adverse effects of the very air they breathe. 

ALSO READ: Humans Must Come Out To Help The Voiceless Animals

Venturing into the city’s green patches reveals a similar narrative in the wild. Birds, with their delicate respiratory systems, are particularly vulnerable to the noxious air that permeates even the most secluded corners. Urbanization, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust combine to create a hostile environment for these feathered denizens. Their once melodic songs are now accompanied by the subtle undertones of wheezes—a poignant reminder that even the skies above Delhi NCR are not immune to the consequences of human-induced pollution. 

As a veterinarian in this region, each day unfolds as a series of encounters with animals struggling to cope with the invisible adversary—pollution. The clinic becomes a sanctuary for creatures seeking relief from the wheezes in the wind. Pets, often regarded as family members, bring with them symptoms mirroring those of their human counterparts—labored breathing, persistent coughs, and an overall air of discomfort. It’s a stark reminder that the health of our animal companions is intricately linked to the environmental challenges we collectively face. 

The impact of pollution on animals in Delhi NCR extends beyond immediate health concerns. Long-term exposure to elevated pollution levels poses a threat to the overall well-being of our pets and wildlife. Chronic respiratory conditions can lead to a diminished quality of life, affecting their ability to play, explore, and express their natural behaviors.  

Addressing the rising asthma cases in animals necessitates a holistic approach that transcends the confines of veterinary clinics. Pet owners play a crucial role in mitigating indoor pollution by opting for eco-friendly products, ensuring proper ventilation, and creating safe havens for their pets. On a larger scale, collaborative efforts between veterinarians, environmental agencies, and policymakers are essential to enact measures that curb pollution and safeguard the respiratory health of all inhabitants, human and animal alike. 

As a veterinarian navigating this complex landscape, I am committed to advocating for the well-being of our animal companions, urging for a concerted effort to address the root causes of pollution and create an environment where every breath is a testament to a healthier, more harmonious coexistence. 

As told to Deepti Sharma

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Air Quality In NCR

Delhi Suffers Another ‘Very Poor’ Air Day With 337 AQI

By LokMarg

Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded on Tuesday at 337 by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

According to the SAFAR, Delhi’s air quality was recorded in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, the national capital woke up to smog with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 340 by SAFAR.

The Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe.

Earlier on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a Union government panel recommending steps to control air pollution in the national capital, announced a temporary ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR as part of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The announcement came after the air quality in Delhi and the national capital region breached the ‘severe’ category.

The CAQM, which on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the air quality in Delhi-NCR, put out a release saying, “As the AQI in Delhi has slipped into ‘severe’ category, the sub-committee had decided that all actions, as envisaged under Stage III of the GRAP, be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all action under Stage I and Stage II of the GRAP.”

The panel had further observed that the air quality saw a further deterioration over the last 24 hours, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 407 on December 4, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In its order, the CAQM said it temporarily banned construction activities, “with the exception of Metro Rail services, including stations; airport and inter-state bus terminals; railway services/stations; national security/defence-related activities/ projects of national importance; hospitals/healthcare facilities; linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines; sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects; ancillary activities specific to and supplementing above categories of projects”.

Milk and dairy units and those involved in the manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment, drugs, and medicines, were also exempted from the restrictions stipulated in the CAQM order. (ANI)

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Delhi NCR air quality

Construction, Demolition Banned In Delhi-NCR As AQI Turns Severe

By LokMarg

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), a Union government panel recommending steps to control air pollution in the national capital, on Sunday announced a temporary ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR as part of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The announcement came after the air quality in Delhi and the national capital region worsened again, breaching the ‘severe’ category.
The CAQM, which on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the air quality in Delhi-NCR, put out a release saying, “As the AQI in Delhi has slipped into ‘severe’ category, the sub-committee had decided that all actions, as envisaged under Stage III of the GRAP, be implemented in right earnest by all the agencies concerned, with immediate effect in the NCR, in addition to all action under Stage I and Stage II of the GRAP.”

The panel further observed that the air quality saw a further deterioration over the last 24 hours, with Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 407 on December 4, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In its order, the CAQM says it temporarily banned construction activities, “with the exception of Metro Rail services, including stations; airport and inter-state bus terminals; railway services/stations; national security/defence-related activities/ projects of national importance; hospitals/healthcare facilities; linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, power transmission, pipelines; sanitation projects like sewage treatment plants and water supply projects; ancillary activities specific to and supplementing above categories of projects”.

Milk and dairy units and those involved in the manufacturing of life-saving medical equipment, drugs and medicines, were also exempted from the restrictions stipulated in the CAQM order.

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’ and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. (ANI)

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Air Quality Delhi

Delhi Air Quality To Improve From Sunday Evening Onwards: IMD Scientist Vijay

By LokMarg

The Air Quality in Delhi which has been in the ‘severe’ category for some time is likely to improve bringing respite to Delhiites from Sunday evening, a weather scientist said.

“The air quality in the national capital is in the severe category with an air quality index of around 400, but from today evening onwards, the air quality of the national capital is likely to improve,” India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Vijay Soni told ANI.
During a telephonic conversation, Vijay Soni, a scientist at the IMD’s Air Quality Division in New Delhi, said, “Today morning the air quality of Delhi was in the severe category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) around 400.

“The main reason behind this has been with winds remaining calm for the whole day and night on Saturday, which deteriorated air quality significantly.”

“But today (Sunday) we expect that winds will improve and we will see an improvement in the AQI from evening onwards,” he said.

Explaining the two main reasons for air quality to be in a severe category, Soni said, “The main reason is low wind speed and decrease in mixing layer height.

“The mixing layer height has come down significantly close to the surface. So these two factors are really contributing to the deterioration in air quality.”

He explained, “Mixing height is the height up to which air pollutants get mixed up in the atmosphere. The wind is almost calm, but today morning it has started. Right now the wind speed is up to 8 kmph,” Vijay Soni said.

On being asked if it’s normal to have such air quality in the month of December in Delhi, Soni said, “The air quality generally deteriorates in the month of December. In this month generally, we see lower mixing height and low wind speed and hence we experience bad air quality.” (ANI)

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Air Quality Delhi

CAQM Lifts Ban On Entry Of Heavy Vehicles To NCR As Air Quality Improves

By LokMarg

In view of the improvement in the overall air quality of the Delhi-NCR in the past few days, a Central government panel revoked Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage 4, which means that there is no ban on entry of trucks and non-BS 6 diesel light motor vehicles are allowed. But ban on non-essential construction activities which come under GRAP-3 now in force would continue.

The GRAP is an emergency response action plan invoked with a view to arrest further deterioration of adverse air quality scenarios in NCR.
GRAP stage 3 still remains invoked. So, ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR region except for railway services, metro rail services including stations and other essential activities will continue.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (CAQM), “Under Stage III State Governments in NCR/ GNCTD may impose restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVS (4 wheelers). Choose a cleaner commute — share a ride to work or use public transport or walk or cycle.”

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai will chair a meeting on Monday to discuss revoking of 50 per cent of work from home and re-opening primary schools after the orders issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (CAQM) today.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry in a statement said, “While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR, the Commission noted that due to forecast by IMD/ IITM not indicating any steep degradation in the overall air quality of Delhi-NCR in the coming days, it is advisable to relax the restrictions and further roll back Stage IV of GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR”.

According to CAQM, the present AQI level of Delhi is around 339 which is about 111 AQI

points below the threshold for invoking the GRAP Stage-IV actions (Delhi AQI > 450) and preventive/ mitigative/ restrictive actions under all Stages up to Stage-IV are underway, there is a likelihood of sustaining the improvement in AQI. The forecast by IMD/ IITM also does not indicate any steep degradation further.

The forecasts also indicated a significant improvement around November 5 and November 6, 2022, therefore, the sub-Committee while invoking Stage IV of the GRAP, decided to review the situation on November 6, 2022. (ANI)

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Air Quality Delhi

Air Pollution Causing More Harm Than Tobacco Smoke: Ex-AIIMS Director

By LokMarg

Air pollution in India’s national capital and NCR region has been affecting the organs of the people, said former Director of AIIMS, Delhi Dr Randeep Guleria.

Dr Guleria, who is also HOD of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and sleep disorders while speaking to ANI said, “it is causing more disability than even tobacco smoke. We talk a lot about smoking, but not about using tobacco. But now the burden of disability has shifted more towards air pollution and even that is causing a big problem than as compared to smoking.”
“So unfortunately the AQI is at severe range and we’ve seen that every year. There have been times when it went up to 900 in the last few years. The concern of course, is that it has a huge health impact. A paper published in 2017, suggested that in India every year, more than 1.24 million people die because of air pollution. So it’s huge mortality that we see it causes huge disability. Many people have a problem,” Dr Guleria further explained.

With the rise in air pollution people with asthmatic or bronchitis problems even shift to coastal areas to protect themselves from pollution. Dr Guleria said, “Many of our patients leave Delhi and go to the south or to the coastal areas, because they have worsening of the underlying COPD and asthma, if they stay in Delhi and have to be on oxygen or have to come repeatedly to the emergency.”

“The studies that we have been doing over the last few years have also shown that in children and adults, if you start looking at emergency room visits, there is a dramatic increase in emergency room visits for respiratory problems on day one and continuing for six days whenever AQI is in the poor or very poor or severe range in that area. So I think we have to understand that air pollution causes acute problems. It’s also causing long-term problems,” he said.

The doctor further added that there is data which suggests that heart disease strokes, low respiratory infections, COPD, or air pollution is causing more disability than even tobacco smoke.

Dr Guleria further emphasised that some practical solution is required. “So I think there is a need for everyone, policymakers, scientists, general public to come together to find a sustainable practical solution to the problem,” he said.

He further advised children and the elderly population as a precaution to avoid going outside, exercise and must wear an N95 mask.

“Children and elderly are at high risk of those who have underlying heart and lung disease, we usually advise that they should not go out in areas where AQI is high, we are able to monitor an AQI now in all areas, so they should look at the quality index in that area and avoid going out early in the morning or late in the evening because there tends to be more ground level pollution during this time,” he said.

Dr Guleria further added that when the sun is out and it’s a little hot because of the hot air, the pollution tends to rise up and if you have to go, you can go out during that time. One should wear a mask, especially an N95 mask that does help to some extent it’s not 100 per cent solution, but that can also be done and during times when there are high levels of air pollution exercise outside could also be avoided.” (ANI)

Kejriwal Blames Centre For Inaction On North India Air Pollution

By LokMarg

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked the Centre on Wednesday for not coming up with a solution for rising air pollution in Northern India.

The Aam Aadmi Party supremo rebuked Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav for blaming Punjab AAP for the rising level of air pollution in the national capital. Kejriwal said that it is being deliberately portrayed that only Punjab and AAP are the causes of air pollution.

Earlier today, BJP leader Bhupender Yadav attacked Aam Aadmi Party over Punjab farm fires and said that a state run by the AAP government has seen over a 19 per cent rise in farm fires over 2021. Pointing out that Haryana, a state run by the BJP government, has seen a 30.6 per cent drop in farm fires.

Blaming AAP for rising pollution in the national capital, he said, “there is no doubt over who has turned Delhi into a gas chamber.”

While talking to reporters in New Delhi, Kejriwal said, “Pollution is a problem of entire northern India. Politics is being played on the issue of air pollution. Nobody is talking about the solution. It is shown that only Punjab and AAP are the causes of air pollution. Air pollution is happening in entire northern India.”

Kejriwal said that there is air pollution in all Haryana and Uttar Pradesh districts. There is pollution in all cities of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. AQI is almost equal everywhere, he added.

Kejriwal asked whether AAP is behind air pollution everywhere. Who will find a solution if the entire northern India faces pollution? he further asked.

“Prime Minister should find a solution. He should call a meeting,” Kejriwal added.

“Why is the Prime Minister not holding a meeting of all the states? Why is he not finding a solution to this problem? If abusing me can solve the problem of air pollution in the entire northern India, then abuse me for 24 hours. But this is not the solution,” he added.

Centre has sent the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann numerous letters to file FIR against farmers who are burning stubble. Farmers are the “breadmakers” of the country. The centre is not helping the farmers, only filing FIRs against them. They rejected our proposal on tackling stubble burning. (ANI)

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Air Pollution In Delhi

Air Pollution In Delhi Reaches Alarming Level

By LokMarg

The pollution in and around Delhi has reached an alarming level as the air quality index (AQI) has been recorded as very poor on Wednesday.

According to the Meteorological Department, the AQI in Delhi today was recorded at 354 which falls under the category of very poor.
As per the parameters set by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the AQI category from 301 to 400 are considered very poor and from 401 to 500 severe.

Further, as per the information provided by the air quality data agency ‘SAFAR’, the AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded in the severe category at 406 today, followed by ITO 382 and Akshardham 363.

A student Rameshwari from ITO has demanded to implement ‘odd-even’ norms for vehicles to improve the air quality in the national capital.

Rameshwari said “I am very much concerned to breathe in Delhi nowadays. Vehicular pollution and stubble burning have made Delhi’s air toxic, affecting both the rich and the poor.”

The people of Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) have been breathing in the toxic air since a few days before Diwali as the smog hit the area about a fortnight ago.

“We face the same thing in the winter every year. This time crackers were sold in black and were burst in plenty. Now the toxic air is affecting everyone, especially the aged persons”, said Rajkumar, who works at Gulab Bhavan, ITO.

Rinki Yadav, who came to Nehru Park for a walk, said “I am feeling irritation in my eyes. My children also feel uneasiness in breathing due to pollution. Both the Central and Delhi governments should make a concrete policy to curb pollution. For the time being, they should at least spray water on the streets to do away with the dust particles in the air.”

A Rajouri Garden resident Kamaldeep Singh, who came for a morning walk in Nehru Park, also expressed his concern over the deteriorated air quality in the national capital.

Kamaldeep Singh said “I am feeling sore in my throat and acute irritation in my eyes. Kids and aged people nowadays are avoiding going on walks due to severe air pollution. Government should spray water on the streets and stop all construction works in Delhi to improve the air quality a bit.” (ANI)

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NCR Air Pollution in Winter

‘NCR Air Is Worse Than Smoke From Dhanbad Coal Mines’

By LokMarg

Rajesh Kumar, 48, a construction engineer in Faridabad, says he shudders to think how people with respiratory issues cope with NCR air pollution in winter

I grew up in Dhanbad, one of the most polluted places in the country, but trust me the air quality in Delhi-NCR is even poorer than the simmering smoke from coal mines. I live in Faridabad, and while a lot of people are focusing on how polluted Delhi is, the entire NCR is equally bad, if not worse.

I had shifted to Delhi-NCR in 2005 from Manipur and the difference in air quality between the two places was palpable. I begun having difficulty in breathing while driving, and the pollution has shot to such alarming levels in the last five years, that it has become unmanageable. Every day is an ordeal.

Owing to the nature of my work as an engineer, I have to drive every day to my workplace that is often a dusty mass of construction land. I’m not asthmatic, but still if a normally young and healthy person like me can find the situation so troublesome, imagine what it can do to senior citizens, kids and those fighting respiratory illnesses.

My mother, 67, spends her time between Dhanbad and Faridabad. She is asthmatic and with each passing year that she spends in Faridabad, she has been complaining of breathing issues. She stays put inside the house when she comes here to avoid the “heavy, pungent air”. My younger son also finds it difficult to navigate winter months because of the pollution levels. He is allergic to dust and keeps sniffling continuously.

There are factories upon factories in NCR and a never ending series of construction work going on, adding to the pollution. Many of these factories don’t follow the pollution control norms adding to the misery of people. I have even stopped going for my morning and evening walks owing to the pollution. I tried for a few days, but then I begun facing difficulty in breathing (one cannot even think of jogging) and my eyes also started burning.

Kumar says climate crisis is for real

Last year was so different: there was the spectre of Covid looming large over our heads, but the lockdown meant lesser vehicles, lesser factories open and thus very low levels of pollution. It was like we had moved to a different world. Even post-Diwali, the air quality hadn’t deteriorated like every year, the visibility wasn’t low. But we are back to square one again this year. Seems like we have squandered away all the gains made last year.

Climate change is real and a solution is required urgently. Not only are dialogues between nations important, it is prudent for governments across the world to hold dialogues with their citizens. In India, we need to really take a quick, hard look at the problem. As a government employee, my team and I ensure that we don’t compromise the Earth and its people’s health in the name of development. If we have to cut a particular number of trees for construction, we ensure that we plant double the number of trees.

Unless we give the Earth back more than we take from it, we are going to keep facing difficulties. As we have noticed, each year is getting more difficult climate change wise and the weather is getting more and more unpredictable. We cannot ignore the problem of pollution anymore. The parali burning in Punjab also needs to be addressed. Rather than just blaming the farmers, we need to work together in helping them find a solution as well. We all need to come together to save the Earth.