Smog is a form of air pollution that develops when dangerous gases and microscopic particles combine in the lower atmosphere to form a thick, hazy layer that significantly lowers visibility and deteriorates air quality. In urban and industrial regions with high traffic, factories, power plants, and seasonal agricultural burning, it is especially prevalent.
Due to climatic circumstances that trap pollutants near the ground, pollution in northern India, particularly around Delhi and the NCR, gets worse throughout the winter.
When emissions from cars, factories, burning coal, and burning crop residue react chemically with sunlight and other elements in the air, smog is created.
This produces a cocktail of pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which linger in the atmosphere and generate the visual haze known as smog. Wintertime low temperatures and feeble breezes make it difficult for these pollutants to spread, which deteriorates the quality of the air.
Smog has serious negative effects on health. Chronic or recurrent exposure can aggravate asthma and bronchitis, irritate the respiratory system, produce coughing and wheezing, and raise the risk of lung and heart disease. Heavy smog has been connected to headaches, decreased oxygen delivery, inflammation of the brain, increases in eye irritation, and other health problems in India during smog seasons.
Beyond health, smog has an impact on day-to-day living. It impairs visibility, making it difficult to travel on highways and at airports, and it contaminates water and air sources, harming plant and animal life.
Authorities use strategies including Graded Response Action Plans (GRAP), prohibitions on construction and cars during periods of extreme pollution, and initiatives to cut back on major sources of pollution like industrial emissions and agricultural burning in order to combat smog.
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.
This report details the tragic death of a 27-year-old man in Noida's Sector 115 after his car plunged into a water-filled ditch during a night of heavy smog and zero visibility. The victim made a final, desperate call to his father at 12:10 am, stating, 'he's about to die and that he's drowning in a ditch.' Despite the father arriving nearby, the rescue was severely hampered by poor visibility and a lack of coordination between departments. Eyewitnesses alleged that the fire department hesitated to enter the water, citing cold temperatures and construction debris, eventually waiting for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The SDRF reportedly arrived at 3:30 am without boats, and the first rescue boat was only deployed at 6 am, six hours after the initial incident. By the time help reached the vehicle, the young man had already drowned, raising serious questions about the efficiency of emergency response protocols in the region.
In this special report, India Today's Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor provides a harrowing minute-by-minute breakdown of the tragic death of 27-year-old Yuvraj Mehta in Greater Noida.
On this Special Report, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor and Nikhil Naz discuss the alarming impact of air pollution on India's status as a global sporting hub. The discussion follows reports of Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt withdrawing from the India Open and paying a heavy fine to avoid Delhi's toxic air. Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi is also quoted, stating that 'People are slowly being poisoned in Delhi and nobody seems to care.' The programme highlights how environmental conditions and poor hygiene at venues are deterring international athletes and affecting the training of budding domestic sportspersons. Nikhil Naz points out that while international players voice concerns, Indian athletes often remain silent due to fear of social media trolling or administrative backlash. The report raises critical questions about India's preparedness for major upcoming events like the World Championships and the Olympics.
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.
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 this report by India Today's Srishti Oja, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questions why farmers are solely blamed for Delhi's pollution. The CJI noted that 'during the pandemic, Delhi saw blue skies' despite stubble burning, indicating other causes. The Court pulled up the CAQM, ordering it to bring in domain experts to identify actual pollution sources and put them in the public domain. The CJI also remarked on the difficulty of stopping buses and trucks, citing the needs of common people.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the intense confrontation in the Delhi Assembly regarding the city's hazardous air pollution. Unidentified speakers from opposing political factions debated the causes of the toxic air, with the opposition storming the house in protest. The discussion featured accusations of administrative failure and legacy issues, while the ruling side defended its mitigation efforts. The programme explores the political dynamics, the role of the Lieutenant Governor, and the challenges of addressing the public health emergency amidst the blame game.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the severe air pollution crisis gripping Delhi and the ensuing political blame game. Speakers discuss the effectiveness of recent government measures to control dust and pollution sources, with one side claiming a comparative improvement in Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. In contrast, the opposition questions the authenticity of the data, highlighting the distress of citizens and rising hospital admissions. The debate further explores the role of the Lieutenant Governor, the impact of stubble burning in neighbouring states, and the alleged failure of governance to ensure the fundamental right to clean air. The programme underscores the urgent need for effective solutions amidst the public health emergency.
High drama marked the first day of the Delhi Assembly Winter Session as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs stormed the house wearing gas masks to protest hazardous air quality. Assembly Speaker Vijendra Gupta ordered the marshalling out of the legislators for violating decorum. Responding to the protest, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa dismissed the outcry, terming the pollution a '40-year-old problem' and a legacy of the previous administration. The Lieutenant Governor also criticized former CM Arvind Kejriwal for 'criminal inaction' during his tenure.
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.
On this Special Report, India Today’s Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor speaks to Gauri Sarin, founder of Making Model Gurugram, who launched a hunger strike on New Year’s Eve to demand urgent action against the city’s worsening air pollution. Sarin, a long-time resident and activist, reveals her decision to leave Gurugram permanently, citing the city’s transformation into a ‘gas chamber’ and the administration’s failure to manage dust and construction waste. The discussion highlights the severe health crisis facing residents, with AQI levels consistently in the poor to severe categories, and the lack of accountability from authorities including the Haryana government.
Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee lashed out at the BJP, citing the Indore water tragedy and Delhi's toxic smog as failures of 'double engine' governance.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the critical environmental challenges facing India as it enters 2026. The report highlights the growing conflict between political interests and ecological preservation, questioning if clean air and water will remain elusive dreams. It details alarming incidents from late 2025, including a deadly fire at a Goa nightclub built in a no-development zone and severe pollution in Delhi that marred a visit by football legend Lionel Messi. The programme also covers the public outcry over mining in the Aravalli Hills and the subsequent Supreme Court intervention. As the speaker notes, 'India lacks a cohesive and empowered green policy that its politicians adhere to.' The report concludes with a call for a unified political will to tackle climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
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 news bulletin, the focus is on the severe flight disruptions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to dense fog on New Year's Eve. India Today's Special Correspondent Amit Bhardwaj reports that '148 flights have been cancelled', comprising 70 departures and 78 arrivals, along with two diversions. The programme highlights the 'cascading impacts' of these cancellations on the 'New Year plans' of travellers, as the dense fog engulfs the entire National Capital Region. Anchor Anjali Istwal discusses the situation with Bhardwaj, noting the challenges for those flying out or in transit.
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.
