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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Crackdown on pan masala brands in Delhi over use of plastic sachets, says CPCB
'Gutka makers not complying with norms' NEW DELHI: Central Pollution Control Board recently submitted a report on the rules and status of plastic sachets used to pack and store pan masala, gutka, etc., being sold in Delhi. It stated that unless the sachets were replaced with eco-friendly material, the firms were liable to pay penalties. It added that although directions under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were issued, they were not being complied with. As per the norms, sachets using plastic material should not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala. Furthermore, plastic material, in any form, including vinyl acetate, maleic acid and vinyl chloride copolymer, should not be used in any package for tobacco products. Earlier, 'The Citizen Foundation' claimed that while the manufacturers were under the extended producer responsibility regime, they were not complying with the same. NGT has now sought details from DPCC. TNN
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Very light to light rain, gusty winds hit parts of south Delhi
New Delhi, Parts of Delhi witnessed a spell of very light to light rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, on Sunday evening, bringing temporary relief from the heat. The India Meteorological Department said an east-southeastward moving cloud cluster triggered the weather activity, with winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 50 kmph, over the southern parts of the national capital within a span of one to two hours. The wind speed picked up significantly in several locations Palam and Jharoda Kalan in southwest Delhi recorded gusts of 65 kmph and 37 kmph respectively at 4:30 pm, while a thundersquall was reported over Safdarjung between 4:35 pm and 4:37 pm, with winds peaking at 66 kmph. Additionally, Pragati Maidan reported the highest gust of the day at 76 kmph at 4:45 pm. According to the IMD, the sudden spell was caused by multiple interacting weather systems. These include a Western Disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over north Pakistan in the middle tropospheric levels, another cyclonic circulation over Haryana in the lower levels and a continuous moisture feed from the Arabian Sea. Other dynamical and thermodynamical factors also contributed to the development of the storm, it stated. The maximum temperature was recorded at 37.9 degrees Celsius, 2.1 notches below the seasonal average. Meanwhile, the relative humidity oscillated between 98 per cent and 56 per cent. The weather department has forecast a thunderstorm, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds , for Monday with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to settle around 37 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius, respectively. The air quality was recorded in the "moderate" category at 4 pm on Sunday, with an Air Quality Index reading of 197, date from the Central Pollution Control Board showed. According to the CPCB, an 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".
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Climate
- Indian Express
Delhi's air cleanest this May in over a decade, barring the lockdown years
Delhi's air quality in May this year was the cleanest for the month in over a decade, excluding 2020 and 2021, when a lockdown was imposed. The monthly average air quality index (AQI) stood at 170, placing it within the 'moderate' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) classification. This represents a significant shift from the usual trend, where May has consistently recorded 'poor' average air quality in most years between 2015 and 2024. The air quality improvement this May was largely driven by meteorological factors. The combination of frequent rain, gusty winds, and the absence of prolonged dry spells contributed to lower pollutant concentrations near the surface, as per officials. An analysis of AQI data from the CPCB for May from 2015 to 2025 reveals that May typically sees a high number of days where AQI is 'poor' (between 201 and 300) or 'very poor' (between 301 and 400). For instance, in 2015, 2016, and 2017, there were 24 to 25 such days each May (see box). Even in recent years, such as 2022 and 2024, there were 21 and 20 days, respectively, in these higher pollution categories. In contrast, May 2025 recorded only five 'poor' days and no 'very poor' days. However, there were no 'satisfactory' days recorded either. This marks the lowest number of high pollution days in May since 2020 and 2021, when lockdown-related restrictions resulted in significantly reduced emissions and cleaner air. The improvement in air quality during May this year coincided with unusual weather marked by high rainfall and frequent storm systems. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi received 186.4 mm of rainfall, the highest ever recorded for the month in the city. The monthly rainfall exceeded the average of 30.7 mm and broke the previous record of 165 mm set in 2008. The month saw four 'rainy days' as defined by IMD as days with rainfall exceeding 2.4 mm. Multiple low-pressure zones, western disturbances, along with associated squalls and thunderstorms, led to frequent rain and strong surface winds, which helped disperse accumulated pollutants in the atmosphere. CPCB's day-wise data shows that most days in May 2025 had AQI values in the moderate (101–200) or poor (201–300) range. The few days classified as 'poor' were linked to dust storm events that raised PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, particularly around 16-17 May and 20-22 May. On May 15, Delhi-NCR woke up to a thick haze — reminiscent of the winter pollution months — after dust-laden winds from North Pakistan travelled through Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana and shrouded the region overnight. A massive dust storm with winds blowing up to 80 kmph followed by heavy rain also hit the region on the evening of May 22. Unlike May 2022 and 2023, this year saw no official heatwave days in Delhi. The month's average maximum temperature was 37.6°C, and the average minimum temperature was 25.3°C, according to IMD data. Even as there were days with high humidity and elevated 'feels like' temperatures soaring to 50°C, the presence of cloud cover and regular rain spells has kept daytime temperatures in check. Meanwhile, the month ended with rainfall and a thunderstorm. The sudden change in weather led to a sharp drop in temperatures and an increase in wind speeds across Delhi and surrounding regions on Saturday evening. According to the Met Office, temperatures fell significantly between 3:15 pm and 4:45 pm at multiple locations in Delhi. The largest temperature drops were recorded at Delhi University (8.4°C), Pitampura (8.3°C), and Ayanagar (8.1°C), with several other stations such as Najafgarh, Palam, and Narayana registering declines between 7°C and 7.8°C. Safdarjung, the city's official observatory, reported a 6°C drop during this period. The thunderstorm was accompanied by strong surface winds. The highest wind speeds were recorded in Jind (63 km/h), Rohtak (61 km/h), and Palam (56 km/h), while other locations like Sonipat, Najafgarh, and Pragati Maidan saw gusts between 46 km/h and 50 km/h. Safdarjung reported a peak wind speed of 40 km/h. The IMD had issued an orange alert for parts of North Delhi and Southwest NCR earlier in the day, forecasting thunderstorms, dust storms, light to moderate rainfall, and winds ranging from 50 to 60 km/h. The storm helped suppress temperatures and briefly lifted dust, but widespread rainfall and gusty conditions limited a rise in pollution levels later in the day. The IMD has forecast that temperatures in Delhi for the first week of June will range between 25°C and 39°C, with partly cloudy skies and the possibility of light rainfall. No weather alerts have been issued as of 1 June.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Probe ordered into Kedar ‘construction violations's
Dehradun: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to investigate complaints of environmental violations linked to ongoing construction near the Kedarnath temple. The directive follows a complaint filed by Noida-based Amit Gupta, who raised concerns about unchecked construction activities disrupting the area and endangering pilgrims. Gupta alleged that construction materials, including sand, have been dumped openly right opposite the main temple, while unattended iron bars at the newly constructed Sangam Ghat are obstructing river flow and contributing to pollution. "There are also protruding steel rods posing a serious safety hazard. Pilgrims are facing inconvenience due to these issues," he told TOI. Gupta added, "Small crushers and stone cutting units are working continuously on the river side and even on the 2013 flood route which is not only impacting the sensitive ecology of the area but also polluting the water flowing near it. Pilgrims have also pointed out open garbage dumping around the temple and helipad premises and filthy state of public washrooms." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD: Invertir $100 con IA podría devolverte un segundo salario Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo He also pointed out poor drainage near the stairway connecting the helipad bridge to the temple, resulting in water accumulation along a key route. "This poses a significant challenge, especially for elderly visitors, and needs urgent attention," Gupta said, blaming the situation on the negligence brought about by hasty construction work. Acting on the complaint, the CPCB issued a letter on May 29, directing the state pollution control board to take necessary corrective measures and report back within 30 days. In response, Public Works Department (PWD) officials acknowledged the issues and attributed them to a "contractor's negligence" during ongoing development. "Instructions have been issued to remove the construction material. Although work at the Sangam Ghat was completed last year, leftover steel bars will be cut and cleared shortly to ensure pilgrim safety," said the executive engineer from PWD's Guptkashi office. Officials also said that work at the arrival plaza near the Om stairs is still pending. Installation of flooring stones, crucial to managing water flow, has been delayed due to the yatra. "For safety reasons, construction cannot proceed during the pilgrimage season. It will resume as soon as the yatra subsides," they added. Dehradun: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to investigate complaints of environmental violations linked to ongoing construction near the Kedarnath temple. The directive follows a complaint filed by Noida-based Amit Gupta, who raised concerns about unchecked construction activities disrupting the area and endangering pilgrims. Gupta alleged that construction materials, including sand, have been dumped openly right opposite the main temple, while unattended iron bars at the newly constructed Sangam Ghat are obstructing river flow and contributing to pollution. "There are also protruding steel rods posing a serious safety hazard. Pilgrims are facing inconvenience due to these issues," he told TOI. Gupta added, "Small crushers and stone cutting units are working continuously on the river side and even on the 2013 flood route which is not only impacting the sensitive ecology of the area but also polluting the water flowing near it. Pilgrims have also pointed out open garbage dumping around the temple and helipad premises and filthy state of public washrooms." He also pointed out poor drainage near the stairway connecting the helipad bridge to the temple, resulting in water accumulation along a key route. "This poses a significant challenge, especially for elderly visitors, and needs urgent attention," Gupta said, blaming the situation on the negligence brought about by hasty construction work. Acting on the complaint, the CPCB issued a letter on May 29, directing the state pollution control board to take necessary corrective measures and report back within 30 days. In response, Public Works Department (PWD) officials acknowledged the issues and attributed them to a "contractor's negligence" during ongoing development. "Instructions have been issued to remove the construction material. Although work at the Sangam Ghat was completed last year, leftover steel bars will be cut and cleared shortly to ensure pilgrim safety," said the executive engineer from PWD's Guptkashi office. Officials also said that work at the arrival plaza near the Om stairs is still pending. Installation of flooring stones, crucial to managing water flow, has been delayed due to the yatra. "For safety reasons, construction cannot proceed during the pilgrimage season. It will resume as soon as the yatra subsides," they added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Delhi weather: Dust storms, thunderstorm likely in NCR; IMD predicts turbulent weekend
Delhi is bracing for another spell of turbulent weather on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a cloudy sky, dust storms with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, and thunderstorms for the national capital and surrounding NCR region. Rainfall is expected within two hours of the storm. The minimum temperature in the city on Saturday morning was recorded at 34.8 degrees Celsius, 5.6 notches below the seasonal average. Relative humidity stood at 64% at 8:30 am, according to the IMD. Delhi's air quality was categorised as 'poor' with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 204 at 9 am, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed. The IMD had earlier issued an orange alert for Friday, cautioning residents of the capital about thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 70 kmph. No such alert has been issued for Saturday, although the weather department has maintained warnings for severe conditions through the weekend. Delhi records wettest May ever This May has turned out to be the wettest on record for the national capital. As of May 30, Delhi has received 188.9 mm of rainfall, surpassing the previous record of 165 mm set in May 2008. The city typically averages only around 30.7 mm in May, making this year's precipitation more than 200% above normal. Live Events Multiple thunderstorms and rain events struck the city throughout the month, including on May 2, 17, 21 and 25. The Safdarjung weather station recorded rain on four days, while Palam and Ridge stations saw seven rainy days each. Lodhi Road and Ayanagar also reported significant rainfall. The month also saw at least 10 storm-related deaths due to collapsing structures, electrocution, and falling trees. In sharp contrast, May 2024 had recorded just 0.4 mm of rainfall—99% below average. Unusually, May 2025 has seen no heatwave days so far, a departure from last year's pattern, when Delhi recorded six days of extreme heat.
