A week after Diwali, Delhi continues to remain enveloped in smog despite light showers in several parts of the city since yesterday. Although the mild spell led to a marginal drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI), the pollution levels continued to remain in "severe category", with the Air Quality Index (AQI) measuring 447 at 9 am.
On Saturday, the air pollution in national capital triggered sharp reactions from Union Minister Prakash Javadekar who attacked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for "politicising the issue".
"I feel it is very unfortunate that the Delhi chief minister is politicising the issue of pollution and indulging in blame game instead of finding a solution. He is instigating children to send letters to Haryana and Punjab chief ministers to present them in a bad light and as villains," the minister said on Saturday.
With farmers continuing to defy the ban on stubble burning, a blanket of haze engulfed Punjab and Haryana that also extended to Delhi. The capital city's air quality is likely to remain "severe" due to calm winds, which is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants, according to government air quality monitor SAFAR.
Here are the live updates on air pollution in Delhi and nearby cities:
READ HERE: Delhi AQI, Delhi Air Pollution: Amid Delhi Air Emergency, Delhi Government Issues Dos And Don'tsDelhi Air Pollution, Delhi Smog: Amid a public health emergency owing to declining air quality levels across the national capital and its surrounding regions, the Delhi government has issued a health advisory for citizens, asking them to avoid staying outdoors for long periods of time and avoiding physical exertion and exercise.
"Air pollution is not only an issue for the national capital. It is a north India issue that calls for a north India solution. Central Board of Pollution Control (CBPC) has said that Varanasi is the most polluted city in the country as per air quality index," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI while addressing a press conference.
"Six of these states are in UP and the other four are in Haryana. Delhi did not even figure in the 10 cities with the most polluted air," he added.
READ HERE: Delhi Air Quality Index: "It's About Our Kids' Health, Future": Arvind Kejriwal On Delhi PollutionDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has hit back at allegations his government is playing a "blame game" over the air pollution crisis in the national capital. In an impassioned plea posted on Facebook, Mr Kejriwal said "we don't want to do that (play blame games)... it is about our health... our kids... our future..."
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that Centre should take precedence over Delhi Government to control pollution. Pollution level has reached "severe plus" category.
Rising pollution levels in #Delhi and in neighbouring States including #Rajasthan is a matter of grave concern. People are suffering since long especially children and old people. It is a health emergency, which only Delhi govt can't solve alone, Central govt has to take lead.
- Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 3, 2019
The top court will take up the Environment Pollution Control Authority - EPCA report on Delhi air quality, pollution cased by stubble-burning in the neighbouring states.
#WATCH Uttar Pradesh minister Sunil Bharala: Farmers have always practiced stubble burning, it's a natural system. Repeated criticism of it is unfortunate. Govts should hold 'Yagya' to please Lord Indra (God of rain), as done traditionally. He (Lord Indra) will set things right. pic.twitter.com/EcImGAbVrl
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2019
Thirty-two flights were diverted from Delhi airport today morning due to low visibility caused by pollution. A senior official of Air India said that the flight operations are affected since morning 9 am at Delhi Airport's Terminal three.
Away from the hustle, bustle of Delhi in God's Own Country where I have lived, worked and served the people of the State. This is where I will settle down in life. #Kerala #pollutionkills pic.twitter.com/TuJDptEDJo
- Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) November 3, 2019
Pollution has rched unbearable levels across N India. Del govt taken many steps. Delhiites hv made many sacrifices. Del suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressd concern. Centre shud take immediate steps 2 provide relief. V will support Centre in all initiatives https://t.co/Vx85xYlDId
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 3, 2019
Amid rise in air pollution in Delhi, residents have complained of eye irritation and suffocation due to deteriorating air quality. People are advised to wear N95 masks whenever they are out to reduce health risk.
A day after Union Minister Prakash Javadekar attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for "politicizing" the issue of air pollution in the national capital, Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi today raised several questions on the issue. In a tweet, she questioned the Union Minister about the steps taken by the centre to prevent air pollution.
Satellite images show almost half of India is reeling under a poisonous smog. It is time that @PrakashJavdekar tells all of us:
- Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 3, 2019
1. What are the steps you have taken in last 6 months to prevent this?
2. What are the steps you are going to take to ensure this never happens again? pic.twitter.com/YP65iqe0BQ
Schools in Noida will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday due to air pollution, district administration said today.
#WeatherUpdate: Due to poor visibility at Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://t.co/VkU7yLB2ny.
- SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) November 3, 2019
The implementation of road rationing or Odd-Even rule from tomorrow may bring down the pollution levels. Read here.
#TravelUpdate Due to dense fog and poor visibility in Delhi, arrivals / departures from Delhi delayed with consequential impact across network. Please visit https://t.co/9eL33N630U or SMS UK<Flight no.>to 9289228888 for updated flight status. Thank you.
- Vistara (@airvistara) November 3, 2019
