Air Pollution

Earlier on November 13, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced to shut down physical classes in schools for a week, adding that education will continue in virtual mode. After a gap of almost two weeks, all schools in the national capital were reopening on November 29. This move of the Delhi government came after the Supreme Court of India gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the Centre, Delhi and its neighbouring states to act against rising air pollution.

The Chief Justice said the 'court will appoint an authority to oversee the government's air pollution controlling measures', citing severe air pollution levels in the national capital. A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana asked senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, that 'when people are working from home then why children are being forced to go to school'.

The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to settle at 26 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature will rise till 14 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity at 8.30 a.m. was recorded at 88 per cent. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants were recorded in the 'very poor' and 'poor' category.

"The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to remain in the upper end of 'Very Poor' category on November 26 and may reach in the lower end of 'Severe' category. Mostly calm or slow winds during night are unfavourable for effective dispersion of pollutants. The air quality is likely to improve marginally but remain in the upper end of 'Very Poor' category on November 27 and November 28," bulletin issued by Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (Ministry of Earth Sciences) read.

Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi (Ministry of Earth Sciences) said in its bulletin, the air quality is likely to remain in 'very poor' category. Gradual improvement is likely from November 27. PM2.5 to be the predominant pollutant.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said in a press briefing, "As pollution level in Delhi is reducing leading to an improved Air Quality Index (AQI) similar to pre-Diwali days, the Delhi government has taken a slew of measures to maintain it. Entry of trucks and other vehicles, except for those involved in essential services, from outside Delhi has been stopped."

Delhi is expected to witness improvement in its pollution level due to strong winds, as per predictions of India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperature on Tuesday is expected to be 26 degrees Celsius and the minimum 11 degrees Celsius, IMD added.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital was 324 for PM10 and 200 for PM2.5. As PM10 went over 300, the Department has issued a health advisory asking people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. The PM2.5 level was found to be under the 'very poor' category.

The minimum temperature of National Capital Delhi this week is expected to drop to 9 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperature for the day will be around 27 degrees and relative humidity at 8.30 a.m. was pegged at 82 per  cent.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant, after hearing submissions of counsel of the Delhi government and Central government, said it needs clear answers on steps to curb air pollution in the capital, which has become a yearly phenomenon for the past several years.