india meteorological department

Delhi-NCR air quality worsens; 5 stations record 300+ AQI

**Delhi-NCR Air Quality Worsens; Five Stations Record AQI Above 300**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 15, 2025, 06:12 pm*

The air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) has further deteriorated, with five monitoring stations registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at a staggering 345.

Other areas also reported alarming AQI figures: DU North Campus and CRRI Mathura Road each recorded 307, while Dwarka Sector 8 and Wazirpur reported 314 and 325, respectively.

**Pollution Response: GRAP Stage-1 Activated**

In response to the worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated Stage-1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR. This comes as AQI levels have fallen between 200 and 300, categorized as “poor.”

Stage-1 implementation mandates strict preventive measures, including the deployment of anti-smog guns and dust suppression activities at construction sites to control pollution sources.

**Pollution Sources: Transport Emissions Lead**

Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) identifies transport emissions as the largest contributor to Delhi’s pollution, accounting for 19.8% of total emissions. On Tuesday, the city recorded an AQI of 201, falling under the “poor” air quality category.

For reference, the CPCB classifies AQI as follows:
– 0-50: Good
– 51-100: Satisfactory
– 101-200: Moderate
– 201-300: Poor
– 301-400: Very Poor
– Above 400: Severe

**Weather Impact**

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Delhi’s minimum temperature on Wednesday was 18.3°C — slightly below the normal of 19.6°C. This marks the fifth consecutive day with minimum temperatures under 20°C for the 2025-26 winter season. The maximum temperature hovered around 33°C.

Meanwhile, relative humidity was high at 89% as recorded at 8:30 am, factors that could further affect air quality levels.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions as the air pollution situation remains critical.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/delhi/delhi-ncr-air-quality-worsens-5-stations-record-300-aqi/story

Why Delhi’s air quality may become ‘poor’ from Wednesday

**Why Delhi’s Air Quality May Become ‘Poor’ from Wednesday**
*By Snehil Singh | October 13, 2025 | 8:30 PM*

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a decline in Delhi’s air quality as the winter season approaches. The city’s air is expected to remain in the “moderate” category on October 13 and 14 but will likely slip into the “poor” category for nearly a week starting October 15.

According to the IMD bulletin, “The air quality is very likely to be in the Moderate category from October 13-14. From October 15 onwards, it is expected to be in the Poor category for nearly a week.”

### Pollution Update: Slight Increase in Stubble Burning

Delhi’s air quality showed a slight improvement on Sunday, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 167, down from 199 on Saturday. This improvement was attributed to steady winds blowing at 10-15 km/h.

However, stubble burning in neighboring states has increased slightly, contributing to pollution levels in the city. The share of pollution from stubble burning rose from 0.4% on Saturday to 0.8% on Sunday.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Early Warning System also predicts moderate air quality for October 13-14 and poor conditions from October 15 onward.

### Factors Behind the Pollution Spike

Delhi’s air quality typically worsens in October due to several reasons:

– Retreating monsoon rains and cooler temperatures
– Increased stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and nearby states
– Festive fireworks adding to pollution levels

Additionally, slower winds and cooler weather during this season lead to a “temperature inversion,” where a layer of warm air traps pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality. Smoke carried by north-westerly winds from Punjab and Haryana further aggravates the situation.

On Sunday, vehicles were the largest contributors to PM2.5 pollution, accounting for 19.8%, followed by emissions from Sonipat (9.2%) and Jhajjar (5.1%).

### Seasonal Outlook: Clear Skies and Cool Winds

The IMD has forecast clear skies and cool northwesterly winds over the coming days, with maximum temperatures expected to rise to 34°C by Wednesday.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that Delhi has recorded 199 days with AQI below 200 this year, nearly double the number reported in 2016. He said this marks a “real improvement on the ground.”

As winter advances, residents are advised to stay updated on air quality forecasts and take necessary precautions, especially from mid-October when pollution levels are expected to worsen.

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*Stay tuned for more updates on Delhi’s air quality and pollution management.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-air-quality-to-turn-poor-from-wednesday/story

‘Rhinos drown…roads turn rivers’: Bengal floods leave trail of destruction

**Rhinos Drown, Roads Turn Rivers: Bengal Floods Leave Trail of Destruction**
*By Snehil Singh | October 6, 2025, 5:13 PM*

Heavy, unabating rains in West Bengal have caused significant destruction, claiming the lives of at least 28 people and leaving dozens reported missing. The worst-hit area is Darjeeling, where the town of Mirik alone has witnessed 13 deaths, with many others still missing as rescue operations continue.

The severe downpours across North Bengal have triggered landslides, causing roads to collapse and stranding numerous tourists during the Durga Puja vacation period.

**Wildlife Impact**

A heartbreaking viral video from near Jaldapara National Park shows rhinos floating in floodwaters and even chasing people. Jaldapara is renowned for its population of the one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered species, many of which are severely affected by the floods.

The devastating weather has not spared neighboring Nepal either. According to *The Kathmandu Post*, water-induced disasters there have resulted in 47 deaths and nine people missing.

**Rescue Efforts**

In the midst of the chaos, elephants have emerged as unexpected heroes. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden of Jaldapara, shared how elephants are aiding rescue efforts by transporting stranded tourists after a wooden bridge near a lodge collapsed. “Our elephants have brought 2-4 tourists across the river because the bridge broke due to rain,” he said.

Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively involved in flood and water rescue operations. They have successfully rescued over 160 people from the affected areas—105 by boat and another 55 either airlifted or pulled across using zip lines in Jalpaiguri. During these operations, one deceased individual was also recovered.

**Weather Forecast**

The India Meteorological Department has forecasted that scattered light to moderate rains will continue in the sub-Himalayan regions until October 12. Isolated thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and lightning are expected to persist until Tuesday morning.

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The ongoing rains and floods continue to wreak havoc on both human lives and wildlife, highlighting the urgent need for sustained rescue efforts and disaster preparedness in the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/floods-and-landslides-devastate-darjeeling-rhinos-float-in-floodwaters/story

‘Rhinos drown…roads turn rivers’: Bengal floods leave trail of destruction

Rhinos Drown, Roads Turn Rivers: Bengal Floods Leave Trail of Destruction

By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025 | 05:13 PM

Heavy, unabating rains in West Bengal have caused widespread devastation, resulting in at least 28 deaths and leaving dozens missing. The worst-hit region is Darjeeling, where Mirik alone has reported 13 fatalities, with many more still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.

The intense downpours in North Bengal have triggered landslides, causing roads to collapse and stranding numerous tourists during the Durga Puja vacations. Infrastructure damage and disrupted transportation have further complicated relief efforts.

Wildlife Impact

A viral video from near Jaldapara National Park shows rhinos floating helplessly in floodwaters and even chasing people. The park is known for its population of the famous one-horned rhinoceros and other endangered species, raising concerns about the safety of wildlife amid the floods.

Severe weather has also severely affected neighboring Nepal, where water-induced disasters have claimed 47 lives, with nine more reported missing, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Rescue Efforts

Elephants have emerged as unlikely heroes in the rescue operations. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden of Jaldapara, shared that elephants have been used to transport stranded tourists after a wooden bridge near a lodge collapsed due to heavy rain. “Our elephants have brought 2-4 tourists across the river because the bridge near the lodge broke,” he said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively involved in flood and water rescue operations. So far, the NDRF has rescued over 160 people from affected areas. Of these, 105 were rescued by boats, while another 55 were either airlifted or pulled across rivers using zip lines in Jalpaiguri. Rescue teams also recovered one deceased individual during their operations.

Weather Forecast

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued scattered light to moderate rain in the sub-Himalayan regions until October 12. Thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30-40 km/h, and isolated lightning strikes are expected until Tuesday morning, signaling the need for ongoing caution and preparedness.

Stay safe and follow official advisories as relief and rescue efforts continue across the region.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/floods-and-landslides-devastate-darjeeling-rhinos-float-in-floodwaters/story