Public Health Emergency Declared in Delhi NCR, Construction Banned Till November 5 as Air Pollution Rises

New Delhi, November 1: As air quality deteriorated in Delhi and its surrounding areas, a public health emergency has been declared in the region. A Supreme Court-mandated panel Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) also banned the construction work in Delhi NCR till November 5. Cracker burning has also been completely banned for the entire winter period. Earlier in the day, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 412 in the national capital, which falls in the "very severe" category. Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality Deteriorates To 'Severe' Category In Lodhi Road Area, Stubble Burning in Neighbouring States Worsens Situation.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) India, the contribution of stubble burning to the haze and air pollution in Delhi-NCR was 35 percent on Wednesday. However, on Thursday, it was estimated to be 24 percent. 'Delhi Chokes' Trend on Twitter After Delhi Air Quality Becomes 'Severe'; Netizens Express Their Concerns Over Deteriorating Air Quality.

EPCA's Letter:

A blanket of smog continues to engulf the national capital on Friday. During this time of year, the pollution level increases in Delhi due to bursting of firecrackers and burning stubble in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.

In the latest images shared by NASA in their fire map, it is visible that the states of Punjab and Haryana witnessed heavy stubble burning in the past 24 hours. The AQI considers five major pollutants - particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 mm (PM10), PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 01, 2019 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).