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Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt tells NGT it has filled 83 DPCC vacancies, aims to cut shortfall
The Delhi government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that 'all possible steps' were being taken to address the staffing shortfall in the DPCC and it has filled 83 vacancies in the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) since June last year, when 204 of its 344 sanctioned posts were lying vacant. It added that efforts are under way to recruit permanent staff, with the current vacancy rate standing at 34% and a target to bring it down to 25% by the end of June. The pollution watchdog has been under the NGT's scrutiny since October 2023, when nearly two-thirds of its sanctioned posts were found to be unfilled. A related case is also being heard by the Supreme Court. In an affidavit submitted to the NGT on May 20, the Delhi government said, 'That since July 2024 – till date, the DPCC has been able to fill 83 vacancies and thus, after this Hon'ble Court's interventions last year, the vacancies have come down from around 60% to 34% and the number of filled up posts is now 223.' It added that appointment letters have also been issued to 10 more candidates for various posts, who are expected to join in June 2025. It also said interviews for another 26 posts were held on May 22 to 24. 'Thus, by the end of June 2025, the percentage of vacancies is expected to further come down to 25%,' the report submitted said. 'All departments and agencies concerned have been instructed to prioritise the recruitment process and to remove any procedural impediments that may be the cause of delay,' the government, through the Delhi chief secretary said in the affidavit. On May 19, the Supreme Court had also pulled up the Delhi government, seeking all posts to be filled up by September this year. 'We cannot tolerate the laxity being shown by the Delhi government, especially when Delhi is worst affected in terms of air pollution, at least three months in every year. We, therefore, direct the state to ensure that all 204 vacancies are filled in by the end of September, 2025. The affidavit of compliance to be filed by 15th October 2025. We make it clear that if all the vacancies are not filled in, it will be a case of aggravated contempt,' the apex court had said. The DPCC serves as the regulatory authority for Delhi in implementing environmental and pollution control laws enacted by Parliament. It operates 24 of Delhi's 40 ambient air quality monitoring stations, manages 31 noise pollution monitors, and conducts water quality tests of the city's sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants and the Yamuna. The agency also monitors compliance of industrial units with pollution norms, and often functions as the nodal body for enforcing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures. In January, HT had reported that the DPCC had issued circulars and advertisements to fill around 100 vacant posts, many of which were senior-level. These included 12 environmental engineer posts, one additional director (scientific), three senior scientists, two senior lab assistants, seven assistant section officers, 22 assistant engineers, two administrative officers and 44 junior assistants, among others. .
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Delhi weather forecast: Thunderstorms and rain expected as IMD issues yellow alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted pre-monsoon showers accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) over the weekend. A yellow alert has been issued, advising residents to stay cautious as weather conditions are expected to remain unstable through Monday. Weather forecast and alerts The IMD predicts that during the next few days, Delhi will likely see light rain, thunderstorms, and dust-raising winds that range in speed from 40 to 60 km/h. With maximum temperatures between 37°C and 38°C, these conditions should offer a little break from the current heat. During this time, the meteorological service has also forecast partly overcast skies with thundery developments. Read more: 10 cheapest countries to fly to from the US in 2025 Impact on air quality The air quality in Delhi has improved as a result of the recent weather changes. The rain and high winds helped the Air Quality Index (AQI) rise to a moderate level of 129 on Friday. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage I limits, which had been repeatedly re-implemented to address air pollution, were subsequently withdrawn by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Advisory for residents In light of the forecasted weather conditions, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued a storm preparedness advisory. Residents are advised to avoid standing near trees or electric poles, secure loose items on balconies, and refrain from parking vehicles under trees or unstable structures. Emergency supplies should be kept ready, and any incidents of fallen trees should be promptly reported to the MCD helpline. Read more: 9 countries with more than 100 million population Broader weather patterns The pre-monsoon activity in Delhi is a component of a broader trend that impacts several Indian states. In more than 10 states, including major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Goa, as well as areas in the Northeast, the IMD has issued warnings for strong pre-monsoon rains and thunderstorms. A possibly busy approaching monsoon season is indicated by the disruptions caused by these rare weather phenomena, such as waterlogging and traffic delays. Residents of Delhi are advised to follow official weather forecasts and take the appropriate safety precautions as the city navigates through this period of pre-monsoon activity. The IMD is still keeping a careful eye on the issue and will update as circumstances change. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Light rain, dusty winds likely over weekend; GRAP revoked yet again
New Delhi: The city is likely to get very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and dust-raising winds on Saturday. A yellow alert (to be aware) has been issued. The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday revoked measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage I, enforced in Delhi-NCR on Wednesday. The city did not see any rainfall from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Friday. The day temperature rose to 37.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, but higher than 34.7 a day earlier. The night temperature also saw a rise. The minimum temperature rose from 20.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday to 26.4 on Friday. The IMD has predicted gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, which may at times rise to 60 kmph during the thunderstorms with dust-raising winds on Friday night and Saturday. There is a possibility of thundery development on Sunday and Monday. "The city is likely to receive rain along with thunderstorms on Saturday. However, heatwave conditions are unlikely in Delhi over the next few days," a Met official said. Rain on Wednesday and strong winds for the past two days aided in the dispersion of pollutants, so Delhi's air quality stayed in the moderate category. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Remedios De Escalada (ver precio) Verisure Undo Revoking GRAP Stage I on Friday with immediate effect, CAQM said, "The AQI of Delhi showed significant improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi was 129 on Friday. Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the moderate category in the coming days. " CAQM directed all agencies in Delhi and NCR govts to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders, etc., are followed and implemented in right earnest so that the air quality does not slip to the 'Poor' category. The measures under GRAP Stage I are preventive and focus on the stringent enforcement of existing guidelines. It was implemented in Delhi-NCR a few times this summer. Stage I was in force for the entire winter season (2024-25). The CAQM removed the restrictions on March 3. However, it was again enforced in NCR from March 7-15, followed by the periods from March 24-29, April 2 to May 1, from April 16-18, and from May 21-23. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Maximum temp rises 2°C in Gurgaon, but high winds, thunderstorms likely
Gurgaon: The city witnessed a slight rise in mercury on Friday, with the minimum temperature soaring to 26.6 degrees Celsius, 1.7°C higher than the previous day. The maximum temperature also rose to 36°C, 2.5°C higher than the day before. IMD issued a yellow alert across Haryana, cautioning residents about gusty winds, thunderstorms and lightning till May 29. Authorities advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and remain alert to sudden weather changes. Meanwhile, Delhi is likely to get very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and dust-raising winds on Saturday. A yellow alert (to be aware) has been issued. The Commission for Air Quality Management on Friday revoked measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage I, enforced in Delhi-NCR on Wednesday. The city did not see any rainfall from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Friday. The day temperature rose to 37.1 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal, but higher than 34.7 a day earlier. The night temperature also saw a rise. The minimum temperature rose from 20.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday to 26.4 on Friday. The IMD has predicted gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, which may at times rise to 60 kmph during the thunderstorms with dust-raising winds on Friday night and Saturday. There is a possibility of thundery development on Sunday and Monday. "The city is likely to receive rain along with thunderstorms on Saturday. However, heatwave conditions are unlikely in Delhi over the next few days," a Met official said. Rain on Wednesday and strong winds for the past two days aided in the dispersion of pollutants, so Delhi's air quality stayed in the moderate category. Revoking GRAP Stage I on Friday with immediate effect, CAQM said, "The AQI of Delhi showed significant improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi was 129 on Friday. Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the moderate category in the coming days. " Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
DPCC cracks down on industrial air pollution; mandates Dust Portal registration before building plan sanctions
New Delhi [India], May 23 (ANI): In a move to curb industrial air pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Friday made it mandatory for all construction and demolition sites to register on its Dust Portal before their building plans can be approved. The goal is to ensure strict implementation of dust control measures.'The DPCC has directed the land owning/construction agencies, contractors for adherence to the 14 points dust mitigation measures for ensuring control of dust pollution at construction and demolition sites, prescribe for wet suppression through prescribed anti-smog guns and water sprinkling...,' read a letter from the office of the Environment minister. According to the Office of Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Delhi Government, along with the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), is stepping up efforts to control air pollution in industrial areas where anti-smog guns and water sprinklers have not yet been deployed. Sirsa announced that the Delhi government will deploy eight advanced hydraulic anti-smog gun vehicles, mounted on trucks and equipped with GPS-enabled water sprinklers, across major industrial zones. Reiterating the government's dual commitment to industrial growth and environmental protection, he stated, 'Our government is fully committed to ensuring industrial growth while protecting the environment. We are taking concrete steps to minimise industrial waste and improve infrastructure so that businesses can thrive responsibly. Sustainable development is the cornerstone of our Prime Minister's vision for a Viksit Delhi.' The trucks, powered by CNG and fitted with advanced anti-smog guns, are capable of spraying mist up to 30 meters and rotating 330 degrees. These vehicles will be deployed across all industrial areas under DPCC's jurisdiction. According to the minister's office, water sprinklers and anti-smog guns have already been deployed in the Bawana and Narela Industrial Areas. The vehicles will operate in two shifts daily--one from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM and another during off-peak afternoon hours for four hours. This initiative by the Rekha Gupta-led government follows a high-level meeting, after which the process of hiring GPS-enabled anti-smog gun vehicles was completed. In addition, as part of its mission to clean the Yamuna River, the government will set up 32 real-time water quality monitoring stations. Ten will be installed directly on the Yamuna, while 22 will monitor the quality of water in major drains flowing into the river. On May 19, the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) subcommittee for the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) held a meeting to assess the current air quality situation in Delhi-NCR. The meeting was prompted by rising pollution levels, with the city's average AQI crossing the 200 mark. (ANI)
