Latest news with #DelhiPollutionControlCommittee
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
DPCC to revive real-time source apportionment study, audit five-star hotels for groundwater use
New Delhi: Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has planned to revive the supersite of the real-time source apportionment study in partnership with Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. Previously, IIT Kanpur operated the site until their contract concluded in 2023. DPCC has also decided to conduct an audit of five-star hotels in Delhi to assess the actual usage of groundwater. The real-time source apportionment study was conducted by DPCC in association with IIT Kanpur from Nov 2022 to 2023. The methodology of the study was found to be "unsatisfactory" by DPCC. Last year, the committee took over the infrastructure and equipment, including the supersite (lab) at Rouse Avenue and a mobile van that can collect data from various locations. "The board directed that CAQM be pursued to develop a well-validated methodology through national-level experts. The board desired that the environment department be kept informed about the progress. It was decided that the running of the supersite and mobile lab be expedited in consultation with all at the earliest," according to the latest minutes of the DPCC's board meeting, which was held on July 18. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The environment department has been informed about the progress. During the board meeting, it was also decided that there should be more focused inspection by the DPCC regarding the reuse of water in hotels, instead of analysing the data provided by hotel owners. TOI earlier reported that data analysis of 40, mostly five-star hotels, by DPCC showed that out of 7,708 KLD of wastewater being treated at the respective STPs of these hotels, 760 KLD of treated water was being discharged into the sewer. However, the remaining treated water was utilised for non-drinking purposes, including flushing and horticulture. "Ground reality needs to be verified. Hotels may not have separate pipelines for flushing, etc., which need to be checked during inspection. A proper report needs to be prepared for the analysis of water consumption. It was decided that a few hotels be audited in detail for the purpose of study (not for regulatory purposes) of water mass balance," stated the minutes of the meeting. Anil Gupta, a member of the DPCC's board, said, "The entire wastewater from the hotels should be utilised so that there is zero liquid discharge."
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Plan for purifiers in Nehru Park dropped by govt following survey
New Delhi: Delhi govt has decided to drop the plan for installing 150 air purifiers in Nehru Park after the majority of walkers and joggers opposed it during a recently conducted two-day survey. Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa earlier announced plans to set up 150 outdoor air purifiers at Nehru Park, where breathable air is available to people the entire year, especially during the peak winter season. After analysing the results of the survey, Sirsa said, "We will not install the air purifiers now as the majority of people responded that they want only trees in the park. We committed that we will go ahead with this project only if more than 80% of people were in favour." Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) conducted a two-day survey in July to take the feedback of walkers and joggers at Nehru Park. During the survey, the public was asked to fill out a form with a question: "Would you like to have an air purifier in your park?" The question included four responses: "Yes, any day", "Yes, when low maintenance and low cost", "No", and "I only want trees." You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Out of 221 responses received, 84 people (38.01%) said they want only trees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo An additional 29 walkers (13.12%) opted for the "no" option. Thirty-three people (14.95%) said they want an air purifier only when there is low maintenance and low cost. However, 75 people (33.93%) were in favour of air purifiers. Even experts opposed the plan. Green activist Bhavreen Kandhari earlier said, "The Rs 25 crore smog towers at CP and Anand Vihar were deemed ineffective, with DPCC confirming they reduced PM2.5 levels by just 17% within a limited 100m radius, while costing Rs 15 lakh per month to operate. Scaling such technology across the city would cost over Rs 11 lakh crore again, a huge misuse of public funds. Worse, this new project is being trialled in Nehru Park, one of the city's few green lungs, where air quality is already better than surrounding zones," said Kandhari. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Major Improvement In Water Quality Of Yamuna River In July: Minister
New Delhi: Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday said the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has reported a significant improvement in the water quality of the Yamuna river in July, with key pollution indicators showing marked progress compared to June. Sirsa attributed the changes to sustained government efforts under the Yamuna cleaning program. "These improvements are not incidental or seasonal. They are the result of deliberate and sustained human effort," he said. The minister said that Rs 500 crore allocated for Yamuna cleaning is being used for upgrading sewage treatment plants, intercepting drains and preventing untreated discharges from entering the river. The DPCC collected water samples from eight monitoring locations, including Palla, Wazirabad, ISBT Bridge, ITO Bridge, Nizamuddin Bridge and Okhla Barrage, the government said in a statement. "According to the report, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) -- a key measure of organic pollution -- dropped sharply. At ITO Bridge, BOD levels fell from 70 mg/l in June to 20 mg/l in July. At Okhla Barrage, it declined from 46 mg/l to 8 mg/l," it added. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), another critical pollution indicator, also showed improvement. COD at ITO Bridge reduced from 186 mg/l to 54 mg/l and from 100 mg/l to 30 mg/l at Okhla Barrage, the government said. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels, which were near zero in parts of the river in June, increased significantly at locations like Palla and Wazirabad, suggesting better oxygenation. "We are not celebrating yet, but these results show our approach is working. The transformation of Delhi's environment is underway," the minister said. Sirsa also linked the progress on water quality to broader environmental gains under the Environment Action Plan 2025. Delhi recorded 29 out of 31 days in July with 'good' or 'satisfactory' air quality, making it the cleanest July on record.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Delhi's July air quality recorded best in 10 years at AQI of 79—All thanks to heavy rains
Delhi, though unpopular for its air quality, broke a decade record this July 2025 all thanks to Mother Nature showering immense love on the city! The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shared its air quality index report (monthly average). The report showed Delhi experienced its cleanest air in July 2025 which is reason behind this as per experts is frequent heavy rains in the city. According to official data shared by the Delhi government, out of 31, 29 days of July recorded the 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' air Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, highlighted the development and said, "True determination always delivers visible results. Delhi's cleanest July ever is proof that with clean intent and strong action, we can change the city's air quality for the better".He said it was a result of several initiatives, including dust suppression at construction sites, road sweeping, and greening drives. Mist sprayers were also helped which are installed in several traffic-heavy zones. The experts agree that the monsoon played a big role in this. Several also believe that these interventions are helping lay the foundation for longer-term improvements in air how Delhi's average July AQI (last 10 years):2015: ~1382016: ~1462017: ~982018: ~1042019: ~1342020 (lockdown year): 842021: 1102022: 872023: 842024: 962025: 79 – the cleanest since 2015In Delhi, locals reported fewer breathing issues. The skies were clear and birds were seen returning. Famous attractions in Delhi such as India Gate and Lodhi Gardens were flooded with people thanks to the good weather and cleaner per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), a total of 126 days since January 1, 2025, were 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' air quality. As of now, the monsoon is expected to continue in the month of August. This means, Delhi will continue to breathe in clean air a little July 2025, most major Indian cities recorded 'good' to 'satisfactory' air quality. Cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru fared well, while others such as Vapi and Jaisalmer saw 'moderate' levels. Notably, no city fell into the 'poor,' 'very poor,' or 'severe' categories for the first time in as of now, Delhiites are enjoying every bit of the clean air which is a rare moment of environmental relief. Whether it's due to persistent rain, improved governance, or a bit of both, one thing is clear: Delhi's July 2025 was a breath of fresh air—literally.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Best July Air Quality In Delhi's History, Says Environment Minister
Delhi has recorded its cleanest July in decades, with 29 out of 31 days falling under the 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' air quality categories, the best performance for the month in the city's documented history, according to official data shared by the Delhi government. Today's citywide Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 59, with most of the capital's 13 high-pollution hotspots also registering significant improvement, officials said. The Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, called the development a result of systematic efforts and not just favourable weather. "True determination always delivers visible results. Delhi's cleanest July ever is proof that with clean intent and strong action, we can change the city's air quality for the better," Mr Sirsa said. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), a total of 126 days since January 1, 2025, have registered 'Good' or 'Satisfactory' air quality, an improvement over previous years. The government attributes the cleaner air to multiple measures under a multi-agency pollution control strategy. These include stricter dust suppression at construction and demolition sites, mechanised road sweeping, increased green cover under Van Mahotsav drives, misting systems in market and traffic zones, and ongoing bio-mining at landfill sites. "We have moved from reactive pollution control to proactive pollution prevention. Our 24/7 teams are implementing solutions on the ground, from increasing green cover to stricter dust control and garbage mountain bio-mining. Every action is delivering measurable impact," Sirsa said. The government also claimed that preparations are underway for artificial rain interventions to further curb pollution levels ahead of winter, when air quality traditionally worsens. Mr Sirsa said that this improvement is a result of policy-backed enforcement and year-round monitoring. "Delhi's clean air this July is not a coincidence; it's a consequence of policy, enforcement, and teamwork. We have created systems that work around the year, ensuring this progress is sustainable," he said. Despite the positive trends, air quality in the city typically deteriorates during the autumn-winter period due to stubble burning, low wind speeds, and festive-season emissions. Officials said preparations are already being made to tackle those challenges. "This is only the beginning. Delhi can and will breathe cleaner air in the days to come," the Minister added. Key Figures shared by the government: 29 Clean Air Days in July 2025 126 Clean Air Days in 2025 so far Citywide AQI Today: 59 ('Satisfactory') The government has urged the public to stay engaged with local environmental guidelines and support ongoing pollution mitigation efforts.
