In New Delhi ozone pollution is highest in the afternoon because of strong sunlight, while PM2.5 pollution stays high at night and peaks during the morning rush hour.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has extended the temporary relaxation allowing industries, hotels, restaurants and other enterprises in Delhi-NCR to use alternative fuels.

A ‘moderate’ May AQI looks great on paper. But with unhealthy PM10 levels, toxic ozone spikes, hidden SO2, and monitoring stations hidden amongst vegetation, the capital’s clean air narrative is mostly hot air.

Indian politicians have denied the severity of the air pollution crisis in the country for decades. Documents related to an update of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) show how the denial has constrained policymakers.

Indian politicians have denied the severity of the air pollution crisis in the country for decades.

The article says a new study by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi found that India could prevent about 1.24 lakh early deaths every year if coal power plants properly controlled sulphur emissions.

Ozone does not produce the haze associated with PM pollution. However, its public-health implications should not be downplayed.

Experts have looked at ten years of air quality data in India and found that different types of pollution peak at different times of the year.

Study of seasonal pollutant trends key to tackling air pollution: Data

Authorities have found serious and repeated failures by industries in Delhi-NCR to follow pollution rules. Many units are either ignoring emission standards or not using proper control equipment.

Environmentalists call for concrete provisions in the budget to curb pollution.

The year has been marked by implementation in welfare and transport, greater coordination with the Centre, and ongoing challenges in pollution control.

The report highlights the poor implementation of the mandatory PUCC rule in Delhi. Although the rule requires vehicles to carry a valid pollution certificate, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many vehicle owners rush to petrol pumps for last-minute checks due to fear of fines.

Environmentalists have raised concerns over the Centre’s decision to reduce the budget allocation for pollution control at a time when air quality in many cities remains poor to very poor. They said the funding is inadequate to address the growing public health crisis caused by pollution.

Experts said the Union Budget’s allocation for pollution control falls short at a time when several cities, especially in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, are struggling with ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ air quality.

Environmentalists see the Budget as a missed opportunity to tackle the health emergency.

Budget 2026 cuts pollution control allocation: The timing of the cut is troubling. Delhi-NCR and neighbouring regions continue to record hazardous air quality levels, leading to school closures, health advisories, and increased respiratory illnesses.

The Commission for Air Quality Management submitted its comprehensive long-term strategy to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Delhi’s air quality hit a severe AQI of 440, marking the most polluted January in two years, due to stagnant winds and rising emissions.

New Delhi’s air quality remained in the severe category on Sunday, with AQI readings touching levels last seen two years ago, making the second half of January among the worst on record.