Delhi

CAQM Flying Squads Inspect 321 Delhi Roads, Key Contributor to Delhi’s Air Pollution

CAQM Flying Squads Inspect 321 Delhi Roads, Key Contributor to Delhi’s Air Pollution

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) intensified enforcement under Operation Clean Air. It conducted a large-scale inspection of road dust across the national capital. On November 29, it surveyed 321 road stretches. The special drive was carried out by 26 Flying Squads. They assessed how effective the dust-control measures were. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) implemented these measures. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) were also involved. According to CAQM’s consolidated report, 35 road stretches were found with high visible dust levels. Meanwhile, 61 stretches recorded moderate dust. Additionally, 94 showed…
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Why GRAP Fails to Combat Delhi’s Air Crisis

Why GRAP Fails to Combat Delhi’s Air Crisis

Historically, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has delivered only short-term and modest reductions in air pollution levels. It faces significant limitations in lasting impact. Its overall effectiveness is also limited. GRAP's Measurable Impact and Shortcomings Studies and pollution episode analyses show that GRAP measures such as curbs on construction, vehicular bans, and industrial restrictions can cut particulate pollution (PM2.5) by 15-20% during high-pollution peaks. These interventions, however, often fail to bring air quality to acceptable levels from “very poor” or “severe” categories. Any improvements are temporary. They dissipate once restrictions are lifted or when local sources overwhelm the gains.…
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Rising Pollution Sparks Protests at India Gate

Rising Pollution Sparks Protests at India Gate

Delhi-NCR struggles with poor air quality. Citizens stage protests at India Gate. Delhi environment minister said the previous AAP-led govt “made the air poisonous continuously for 10 years”. Delhities gathered at India Gate on Sunday evening. They came to protest the rising pollution in the capital city. The event occurred amid heavy police deployment. Many protesters were detained by police citing the protest illegal. Protesters were threatened by the police with FIRs, videos on social media showed cops bundling people in police vehicles. Protesters wearing gas masks, holding Constitution copies, and carrying children thronged the India Gate. Police detained them,…
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SSC Exam Chaos: Protests Erupt Over Technical Failures

SSC Exam Chaos: Protests Erupt Over Technical Failures

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations hold a decisive opportunity. Millions of youth aspire for a government job through these exams. This year, however, the recruitment exercise has been marred by canceled sessions. Technical glitches have contributed to the problem. As a result, angry students and teachers have taken to the streets of New Delhi. On Sunday night (August 24), more than a thousand aspirants and teachers gathered at the Ramlila Maidan in the capital. Over 40 protesters were detained by the police. Last month, a similar protest was held at Jantar Mantar. Latest fiasco in SSC exam? The trigger for the…
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Delhi Set to Phase Out CNG Autos Under EV Policy 2.0: Key Rules You Need to Know

Delhi Set to Phase Out CNG Autos Under EV Policy 2.0: Key Rules You Need to Know

In a bold step toward cleaner mobility, the Delhi government is ready to implement Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, focusing on replacing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles with electric alternatives. No New CNG Auto Registrations After August 15, 2025 According to the draft policy, the registration of new CNG autorickshaws will be stopped starting August 15, 2025. Existing permits for CNG autos will not be renewed and will be substituted with e-auto permits. Additionally, CNG autos older than 10 years must either be scrapped or converted to electric.  Petrol, Diesel, and CNG Two-Wheelers Next The draft also proposes a ban on all new registrations…
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Best Air Quality Index of 170 in Delhi: Q1 2025 Highlights

Best Air Quality Index of 170 in Delhi: Q1 2025 Highlights

New Delhi, March 31, 2025: Delhi witnessed its best average Air Quality Index (AQI) for March in five years. The monthly AQI stood at 170. This marks a significant improvement over previous years. In comparison, March AQI figures were 223 in 2021, 217 in 2022, 170 in 2023, and 176 in 2024. These numbers highlight steady progress in the capital’s air quality. The first quarter of 2025 (January-March) recorded the best air quality in half a decade. It had an average AQI of 231. This was a notable drop from 250 in 2024, 240 in 2023, 241 in 2022, and…
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Holi Coincides with Ramzan after 64 years: Tight Security from Sambhal to Delhi

Holi Coincides with Ramzan after 64 years: Tight Security from Sambhal to Delhi

With the festivals of Holi and the Friday prayers of Ramzan, security has been significantly tightened in multiple cities. This includes cities in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Police forces have been conducting flag marches in sensitive areas. They are ensuring peace. They are also actively preparing to handle any potential disturbances caused by anti-social elements. Concerns Over Security During Holi and Ramzan Holi, a festival symbolizing joy and unity, is coinciding with a Friday during Ramzan after 64 years. However, recent hate speeches related to the festival have sparked fears among communities. Authorities are taking precautionary measures, with increased police…
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Yamuna Master Plan of PM Modi: A Cleaner Future for Millions

Yamuna Master Plan of PM Modi: A Cleaner Future for Millions

The central government is preparing to transform Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-cherished promise of a clean Yamuna into reality. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has taken a decisive step forward. It has finalized the “Yamuna Master Plan.” This comprehensive blueprint is aimed at rejuvenating the sacred river and its surroundings. Over the past few weeks, the ministry held two to three high-level meetings. They discussed and refined the plan's details. The Master Plan has been developed after extensive consultations with experts in water management and environmental restoration. Top specialists contributed their insights to ensure the project adopts best practices. These…
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CAG Report Exposes Delhi Healthcare Failures

CAG Report Exposes Delhi Healthcare Failures

The report is set to be tabled in the Delhi Assembly today. It outlines critical shortcomings across multiple facets of the health department’s operations. A newly released CAG report on Delhi’s public healthcare system reveals severe mismanagement. It also highlights financial negligence and a lack of accountability over the past six years. The report highlights that only ₹582.84 crores of the ₹787.91 crores allocated for COVID emergency response were utilized. Funds meant for frontline healthcare workers and essential supplies—such as drugs, PPE, and masks—remained significantly underused. For instance, ₹30.52 crores of the ₹52 crores earmarked for healthcare workers and ₹83.14…
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Restoring the Yamuna: BJP’s Urgent Cleanup Plan

Restoring the Yamuna: BJP’s Urgent Cleanup Plan

The Yamuna River, once a vital lifeline for Delhi, has deteriorated into a heavily polluted waterway. The 22-kilometer stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla is responsible for nearly 80% of the river’s pollution. This section makes up less than 2% of its total length. Newly appointed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the urgency of addressing this crisis. She began her tenure with a 'Yamuna Aarti' at Vasudev Ghat, symbolizing her commitment to restoring the river. This was followed by a cabinet meeting focused on implementing cleanup measures. A large-scale cleanup operation has commenced, utilizing trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredgers…
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