Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) are bracing themselves for worsening air quality as pollution shoots up exponentially with the onset of winter. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has submitted that many locations in Delhi clocked PM2.5 concentrations well over 400 micrograms per cubic metre, well above the safety limit of 60 micrograms.
Experts attribute the spurt in pollution to a mix of reasons, ranging from stubble burning in neighboring states to emissions from vehicles, construction dust, and industrial pollutants. Smoother winds and lower temperatures keep pollutants near the ground, resulting in smog and poor visibility.
The health agencies have cautioned that continued exposure leads to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other conditions, especially for children, the aged, and people with underlying conditions. Most schools have issued warnings to minimize outdoor activities, and hospitals have seen a rise in patients suffering from breathing complications.
The government of Delhi has requested citizens to utilize public transport, air purifiers, and masks wherever they can. Restricting construction activities, encouraging odd-even traffic regulations, and promoting cleaner fuels are being implemented to reduce emissions.
Environmentalists emphasize the need for long-term solutions like enforcing tighter industrial emission standards, ecologically sustainable urban planning, and regional collaboration to avoid stubble burning to tackle the crisis.
While residents track real-time air quality levels on phone apps, officials remain keen to promote awareness and compliance. The city is in for a tough winter, with pollution control measures becoming all the more imperative.
The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on economist Gita Gopinath's warning on air pollution in India.
This India Today Special Report, led by Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor, investigates the death of 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta in Noida’s Sector 150. Mehta drowned after his vehicle plunged into a 30-foot water-filled ditch at a stalled construction site managed by MZ Wishtown. The investigation details a six-hour rescue delay and a lack of essential equipment despite the victim’s emergency calls. The site lacked barricades, reflectors, and streetlights, leading to the arrest of builder Abhay Kumar and the removal of the Noida Authority CEO following Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's intervention. The report examines systemic failures and the Allahabad High Court’s observations on corruption within the Sports City project. Additionally, the broadcast covers global updates from Davos, including Indian CEOs meeting US President Donald Trump and European Union discussions regarding a Free Trade Agreement with India. Finally, the report notes the revocation of GRAP Stage IV measures in Delhi-NCR as regional air quality levels showed marginal improvement.
On this news bulletin, the focus is on the improving air quality in the National Capital Region. India Today correspondent Sushant Mehra reports that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. Sushant Mehra notes that 'the air quality index in Delhi right now is around 375, in the very poor category', leading to the decision to ease the strictest curbs. While Stage 4 measures, which were imposed when the AQI breached the 400 mark, have been removed, restrictions under Stages 1, 2, and 3 will remain in force to manage pollution levels. The report highlights that the slight improvement in air quality is attributed to better weather conditions, including sunlight and wind movement, providing much-needed relief to the residents of the national capital.
On this Special Report, host Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor examines the death of Yuvraj, a software professional who drowned after his vehicle plunged into an unmarked construction pit in Noida Sector 150. The investigation highlights a 90-minute rescue delay and questions the Noida Authority regarding the absence of barricades despite an 8,732 crore budget. Former Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna discusses the lack of SDRF preparedness. The program also covers the CBI questioning of TVK chief Vijay concerning the Karur stampede, focusing on event delays and organizational violations. Vijay denies legal breaches, attributing the incident to police lapses. Further reports address India's pollution crisis as Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt withdraws from the India Open due to Delhi's air quality. The broadcast concludes with the Indian cricket team's ODI series loss to New Zealand and a health emergency in Madhya Pradesh, where contaminated water is linked to a Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak, prompting a World Health Organization probe into local public health failures.
The National Capital has once again turned into a 'gas chamber' as air quality plummeted into the severe category, with the AQI breaching the 400 mark. In response to the spiralling pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management has re-imposed Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region. This move triggers the toughest anti-pollution curbs, including a complete halt on all construction and demolition activities. Under these restrictions, vehicles below BS 6 emission norms are barred from entering Delhi, and there is a total ban on diesel trucks, except those carrying essential goods. The report highlights that only BS 6 compliant vehicles are permitted entry as authorities scramble to control the deteriorating environmental conditions. The re-imposition of these stringent measures reflects the critical nature of the pollution crisis currently affecting Delhi and its surrounding areas.
On this news report, the focus is on the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, which has led to the reimposition of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The air quality index (AQI) in the national capital has surged past the 400 mark, entering the 'severe' category, with PM 2.5 levels reaching 428 and exceeding 450 in several areas. The unidentified speaker notes that 'Curbs will include a complete ban on construction and demolition activities' and a ban on the entry of non-BS6 diesel trucks. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also ordered all schools to shift to hybrid mode to protect students. These emergency measures will remain in place until pollution levels subside to Stage 2 or 3. The sudden spike in pollution is attributed to recent changes in weather conditions across the region.
On this Special Report, Shreya Chatterjee highlights the severe weather and pollution crisis currently gripping the National Capital Region. Delhi NCR is facing a 'triple attack' of dense fog, a biting cold wave, and deteriorating air quality, which has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management to reimpose Stage 3 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Shreya Chatterjee notes that 'the air quality has also come down to deteriorate again to severe category' following a brief period of relief. The programme features ground updates from correspondent Anmol Bali at Anand Vihar, where visibility remains significantly impacted. With minimum temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees Celsius, the city continues to face harsh winter conditions that have disrupted daily life and traffic. The report explores the impact of these conditions and the enforcement of GRAP 3 measures to curb rising pollution levels across the capital.
This news bulletin provides a critical weather and pollution update for the Delhi NCR region. The National Capital is currently shrouded in a thick blanket of fog, which has significantly impacted travel, leading to the cancellation and delay of several flights and trains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert as visibility remains poor in the early hours. The speaker notes that 'until the wind speed picks up the fog Situation might not improve.' In addition to the weather challenges, air quality has deteriorated further, prompting the reimposition of GRAP 3 measures. Residents are advised to monitor travel schedules closely as temperatures remain low and the air quality index continues to decline after a brief period of relief. The report emphasizes the dual challenge of dense fog and soaring pollution levels affecting the region.
In this news report, India Today's Srishti Ojha details the Supreme Court's strong observations regarding the pollution crisis in Delhi NCR. The top court pulled up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), stating that the agency 'does not appear to be in any hurry' to identify the causes of worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) or find long-term solutions. The Court directed the agency to shortlist experts to bring solutions before the public. Crucially, the Supreme Court observed that 'we need to stop blaming farmers' entirely for stubble burning, emphasizing that objective solutions must be found. The report highlights the need for a phased approach to tackle the environmental challenge.
In a significant relief for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage 3 and 4 restrictions with immediate effect. India Today's Amit Bharadwaj reports that the decision followed a dip in the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 234, attributed to improved wind speeds rather than agency efforts. The revocation lifts bans on construction activities and BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles. However, the anchor and Bharadwaj question the urgency of removing curbs compared to their enforcement, warning that toxicity could return if wind speeds drop.
In a significant relief for Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revoked GRAP Stage 3 restrictions with immediate effect as AQI improves.
In this special ground report, the focus is on the harsh reality faced by homeless people in the national capital as winter sets in. As temperatures dip and air quality worsens, thousands are left without roofs, battling the cold on pavements and under flyovers. While the government and NGOs have set up night shelters, many remain overcrowded or inaccessible. The report highlights the plight of those waiting outside hospitals like AIIMS, where patients and their families endure freezing nights in the open. Voices from the streets reveal the struggle for survival amidst the festive season.
In this special report, the focus is on the harsh reality faced by Delhi's homeless population as winter temperatures plummet during the New Year celebrations. The programme highlights that while the city rejoices, thousands are left 'without any roof, battling the cold in the open' on pavements and under flyovers. The ground report visits night shelters near Jama Masjid and AIIMS, revealing that many are overcrowded, forcing people to sleep outside in toxic air. The report captures the voices of those who have lived on the streets for generations, underscoring the severe lack of basic amenities. It notes that despite government efforts to set up shelters, the demand far exceeds capacity, leaving many exposed to the 'unforgiving chill of winter' and pollution levels nearing an AQI of 300.
On this news bulletin, an Unidentified speaker reports on the severe winter crisis gripping North India, specifically highlighting a ‘triple whammy’ of dense fog, cold wave conditions, and hazardous air quality in Delhi NCR. The broadcast confirms that low visibility has caused widespread disruption, with ‘148 flights as of this morning’ cancelled at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The speaker notes that the Ministry of Aviation and various airlines have issued advisories urging passengers to allow extra time for airport procedures. The report also mentions significant delays in rail services and hazardous conditions for road travel due to the persistent fog.
On this broadcast, the focus is on the dense fog engulfing Delhi-NCR on the last day of 2025. An unidentified reporter notes, 'The dense fog condition is certainly creating a lot of trouble for the commuters.' The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert as visibility drops significantly, disrupting normal life and traffic. Flight operations at Delhi airport face delays and cancellations, with runway visibility fluctuating between 50 and 400 metres. The programme also highlights the situation on the Yamuna Expressway, where visibility has dipped to 50-100 metres, forcing vehicles to limit speeds to 60 km/h. Air quality remains in the severe category.
Senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh attacked the Modi government over the controversial redefinition of the Aravalli hills and said it's wrong to say that the Gehlot government changed the definition.
India Today's Sushant Mehra reports on the severe pollution and fog crisis gripping Delhi-NCR, where visibility dropped to near zero, cancelling 128 flights. The broadcast highlights the resignation of Rajkumar Bafna, President-Finance at Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, who quit citing 'Delhi pollution level' in a blunt email. Sushant Mehra and Shreya Chatterjee track the government's decision to make two GRAP-4 measures permanent: a ban on non-BS6 vehicles and the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule. The report examines the ground reality of enforcement at petrol pumps and borders.
In this special report on India Today, anchor Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor discusses the Delhi government's decision to implement key pollution control measures year-round.
On this news report, the focus is on the severe weather and pollution crisis gripping the National Capital Region. Dense fog has engulfed Delhi NCR, reducing visibility to 100-150 meters and severely impacting transport. 'Around 100 trains are running delayed', and flight operations are being conducted under CAT III conditions with warnings of cancellations. Simultaneously, the capital is battling a 'triple attack' as air quality plummets to the 'severe' category, with the overall AQI recorded at 402. Specific hotspots like Anand Vihar have reached alarming levels of 456. The report highlights the plight of commuters facing the combined onslaught of low visibility, freezing temperatures, and hazardous pollution.
On this news bulletin, India Today’s Anjali Istwal and correspondent Piyush Mishra report on the worsening weather conditions in the national capital. Ahead of the New Year, Delhi NCR is facing a ‘double whammy’ of dense fog and severe pollution, with the overall AQI climbing to 402. Piyush Mishra reports from the ground that visibility has dropped to 100-150 meters, severely impacting flight and train operations. The Delhi Airport has issued an advisory warning of delays due to CAT III conditions. The segment also highlights the ‘triple trouble’ for residents as cold wave conditions persist with temperatures dipping to 6-7 degrees Celsius.
