In the Indo-Gangetic plains of Northern India, 510 million residents, nearly 40% of India’s population, are on track to lose 7.6 years of life expectancy on average, if current pollution levels persist, warns a new study. Since 2013, about 44% of the world’s increase in pollution has come from India.

A study has concluded that fine particulate air pollution remains the greatest external threat to public health. It noted that of all the countries in the world, India faces the greatest health burden from air pollution. Details here.

In a comparative analysis aimed at exploring the air pollution levels in rural areas and the urban areas, it is found that there is little difference in concentration levels of air pollutants in the two brackets. The report highlighted that the reliance on solid fuels for domestic use is a major factor behind the high pollution levels in the rural hinterland.

Delhi is choking. Governments are not doing enough. (There is nothing new in this story.)

A study has found that the El Nino effect further weakens the monsoon by transporting aerosols from the lower altitudes in East Asian region up and into the higher altitudes forming an aerosol layer over the South Asian region. This remains hanging over there during monsoon

An analysis of winter air pollution trends, released by CSE, highlighted that despite the stabilised trend in average levels, Delhi still had the highest number of 'severe' or 'worse' air quality days compared to other big cities in NCR. Details here.

With no respite from the alarming air pollution levels during the winters, indoor air purifiers are gaining popularity. How do these air purifiers work? How effective are these devices?

Bhalswa waste dumping site in North Delhi has been on fire since yesterday. Delhi’s environment minister has asked DPCC for a report on the fire incident. Air quality is expected to worsen tomorrow on April 28. Details here.