Delhi's Air Quality Worsens, Crosses 'Severe' Mark In Multiple Areas

by Shambhu Datta Mishra

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Areas including Anand Vihar (433), Ashok Vihar (410), Rohini (411), and Vivek Vihar (426) registered AQI levels above 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Meanwhile, several parts of Delhi fell into the "very poor" category, with Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodi Road, and North Campus reporting AQIs above 370

The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) cautioned that unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as calm winds and low temperatures, are expected to hinder pollutant dispersion

New Delhi, Nov 4: Delhi's air quality further plummeted following Diwali, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading surpassed 400 in multiple parts of the national capital Monday, placing it in the 'severe' category.

Areas including Anand Vihar (433), Ashok Vihar (410), Rohini (411), and Vivek Vihar (426) registered AQI levels above 400, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Other regions like Dwarka, Patparganj, Jahangirpuri, and Punjabi Bagh also recorded 'severe' AQI levels.

Meanwhile, several parts of Delhi fell into the "very poor" category, with Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodi Road, and North Campus reporting AQIs above 370. The city's average 24-hour AQI at 7 a.m. on Monday was 373, a notable decline from Sunday.

The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) cautioned that unfavourable meteorological conditions, such as calm winds and low temperatures, are expected to hinder pollutant dispersion.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast smog and mist during the early hours from Monday to Wednesday, with wind speeds predicted to stay under 10 kmph, worsening pollution levels.

Despite a decrease in stubble burning's contribution to 15 per cent on November 2 (down from 35 per cent on November 1), Delhi's AQI registered the season's highest on Sunday at 382, escalating from 316 on Saturday.

The situation in the NCR region also remained concerning, with Noida at 305, Ghaziabad at 295, and Gurugram at 276. High AQI levels were also recorded in nearby states, including Sriganganagar (397), Hisar (372), and Bharatpur (320).

In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rolled out multiple measures, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), alongside imposing penalties on polluting construction sites, vehicles, and industries.

Road dust control efforts include the daily deployment of around 600 mechanical road-sweeping machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns across the National Capital Region (NCR).

The AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good'; 51 and 100 'satisfactory'; 101 and 200 'moderate'; 201 and 300 'poor'; 301 and 400 'very poor'; and 401 and 500 'severe'.

(IANS)

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Four Arrested, Cop Injured After Protest At Hindu Temple In Canada

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Ottawa, Nov 5: The Peel Regional Police said on Monday that four people were arrested and a police officer was injured following several protests in Mississauga and Brampton last week, including one at a Hindu temple that turned violent.

In a news statement published on Monday, the police said officers were called to an unnamed place of worship near The Gore Road in Brampton in response to a "trespassing complaint by a group of protestors".

The Police said the protesters then moved to two other locations in Mississauga, including one in the area of Goreway and Etude drives and another near Airport and Drew roads.

"Although these demonstrations occurred at three different locations, they appear to be related to one another. Several incidents between protestors and worshippers broke out," the police said in a statement, adding that one officer sustained minor injuries during one of the incidents.

Videos circulating online appeared to show people fighting outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir, which is located just off of The Gore Road, during a protest in the area where Khalistan flags, representative of the push for Sikh independence within India, were seen.

Police identified the suspects arrested as 42-year-old Mississauga resident Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 23-year-old Brampton resident -- identified only as Vikas -- and a 31-year-old man from Mississauga named Amritpal Singh as the suspects.

A fourth individual, who was not identified, was arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant and released.

Police said an off-duty Peel police officer was also seen in a video circulating online taking part in one of the demonstrations. The unnamed officer has been suspended, pending an investigation.

"We are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows an off-duty Peel Police officer involved in a demonstration. This officer has since been suspended per the Community Safety and Policing Act," a statement provided by Peel police on Monday states.

"We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi have both issued statements about the incident, with the former saying the "acts of violence" were "unacceptable".

"Every Canadian has the right to practise their faith freely and safely. Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident," Trudeau wrote.

For PM Narendra Modi's part, he called the incident at Hindu Sabha Mandir a "deliberate attack".

"Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India's resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law," he said.

According to the group Sikhs for Justice, Khalistan supporters were protesting the presence of Indian officials who were visiting the temple and providing consular services.

The incident marks another low point between the two countries.

Last month, Ottawa accused India's Home Minister Amit Shah of targeting Sikh activists, which the Indian government has rejected.

Previously, Trudeau said there were "credible allegations" that the Indian government was connected to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia last year.

--IANS

Delhi's Air Quality Worsens, Crosses 'Severe' Mark In Multiple Areas

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