Is India Winning the War Against Pollution? The fight for cleaner air and water intensifies as the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change. From the devastating floods in Assam to the alarming rise in air pollution levels in Delhi, environmental challenges demand urgent action. This week saw crucial discussions on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources at the India Climate Change Conference, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation. But are these efforts enough? Experts warn of looming water scarcity and the need for stricter regulations on industrial emissions. The future of India's environment hangs in the balance, demanding collective responsibility and innovative solutions. Explore Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and the latest updates on environmental policies, climate activism, and the ongoing struggle for a sustainable India. Discover how you can contribute to a greener tomorrow.
New Delhi: Several parts of Delhi got an intense spell of rain on Wednesday evening that brought respite from the sticky humidity.The rain caused waterlogging, disrupted traffic and led to diversions of six Delhi-bound flights -- four to Jaipur and two to Lucknow.Flightradar24, a live flight tracking website, stated that over 300 flights were delayed at Delhi airport, with an average delay of 38 minutes. The Met department has forecast more overnight rain and light to moderate showers on Thursday. Rain activity is expected to be subdued from Friday onwards.No rainfall was recorded from 8.30am to 8.30pm on Wednesday, but from 6pm onwards the downpour started.The rainfall was uneven. Najafgarh logged the highest rainfall at 60mm between 8.30am and 5.30pm, followed by Ayanagar that got 50.5mm and Pragati Maidan 37.7mm.During the same period, Safdarjung, the city's base station, recorded 1.4mm, Palam received 14.4mm, Pusa 30.5mm, Janakpuri 4mm, DU's north campus 22mm, Naraina 6.5mm, and Mungeshpur 7mm.IMD had issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rain for the day, but at 3.45pm, officials upgraded the alert to orange for only northwest and northeast Delhi. At 6pm, IMD issued an orange alert for the entire city for light to moderate rain. As the downpour began in parts of Delhi, IMD elevated the alert to red at 6.30pm, indicating moderate to heavy rainfall.IMD scientist Naresh Kumar said: "Delhi received rain due to two upper air cyclonic circulations over north Haryana and another over northwest Uttar Pradesh and shifting of the monsoon trough towards north of its normal position. The monsoon trough is expected to remain in the same direction on Thursday." He added that the trough is expected to shift from Friday, thereby weakening the rain activity in Delhi for the next few days.The Met department has not issued any colour-coded warning for the next six days. IMD has predicted that there are chances of light to moderate rain on Thursday, while the city may receive very light to light rain from Friday to July 15.The maximum temperature dipped on Wednesday and touched 35.6 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. It was 37 degrees Celsius a day earlier. However, the feel-like temperature was higher at 43.4 degrees Celsius at 5.30pm on Wednesday. The relative humidity oscillated between 62% and 81%. The minimum settled at 26.4 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.Following the rain, the maximum temperature is expected to dip to 31-33 degrees Celsius on Thursday. As no significant rain activity is predicted from Friday onwards, the mercury may touch 34-36 degrees Celsius by Saturday.Delhi's air quality, meanwhile, continued to remain satisfactory for the 14th consecutive day. The AQI was 81 on Wednesday. It was 98 a day earlier. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, which is the forecasting body under the Union ministry of earth sciences, the air quality is likely to stay in the satisfactory category till July 12.
Khordha (Odisha): A severe cold wave gripped northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj in the northern part of the State bearing the brunt of the intense chill with Ramatirtha area in the district recording as low as -10 degrees Celsius. According to the Forest Department, temperatures while other areas such as Gurguria and Barehipani recorded 6 degrees Celsius, Chahala 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) -3 degrees Celsius. Statement Of IMD Scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy On Saturday, IMD scientist Dr Soma Sen Roy said that the cold wave will last for ...Read More >
Khordha (Odisha) [India], December 15 (ANI): A severe cold wave gripped northern Odisha on Sunday, with the Mayurbhanj in the northern part of the State bearing the brunt of the intense chill with Ramatirtha area in the district recording as low as -10 degrees Celsius. According to the Forest Department, temperatures while other areas such as Gurguria and Barehipani recorded 6 degrees Celsius, Chahala 4 degrees Celsius, Nawana -5 degrees Celsius, and Upper Baraha Kamuda (UBK) -3 degrees Celsius. Also Read | CAT 2024 Results: IIM Calcutta Likely To Release CAT 2024 Results Today at iimcat.ac. ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 'Mission Mausam' on Tuesday to gaming to make India a 'weather-ready and climate-smart' nation. As per a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Modi will also participate in the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam here. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. "The Mission aims to achieve its aim by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satel ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area has developed over the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, which formed at 8:30 am today, is likely to move slowly northwards and intensify into a more marked low-pressure system over the next 48 hours. According to the latest weather update, the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, tilting southwards with height. This weather system may bring light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha. ...Read More >
Noida: The city's air quality improved slightly on Wednesday but remained in the 'poor' category with an air quality index (AQI) of 208, compared to the previous day's 223. The AQI of Greater Noida (231) and Ghaziabad (216) improved marginally but also stayed 'poor'. It was 234 in Greater Noida and 238 in Ghaziabad on Tuesday. In Noida, Sector 62 was the worst hit and recorded an AQI of 271 (poor), followed by Sector 116 (230) -- also 'poor'. The Sector 1 monitoring station recorded a 'moderate' AQI at 121. The Sector 125 station did not record this data. In Greater Noida, the AQI at Knowled ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 11 (PTI) The national capital on Wednesday recorded the lowest minimum temperature of this winter season so far with the mercury dropping sharply to 4.9 degrees Celsius compared to 8 degrees Celsius the previous day. "The minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius reported over Safdarjung is the lowest minimum of this winter season. The same minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius was reported last year also, on 15th December," the India Meteorological Department said. ...Read More >
Uttarakhand Weather: After several places in Uttarakhand witnessed snowfall, minimum the temperature in the state on Tuesday settled at below 5 degrees Celcius. Due to snowfall on the peaks, the temperature has dropped at many places including Dehradun, with some also witnessing cold waves. Meanwhile, several hilly areas received the season's first snowfall on Monday. In most areas of Uttarakhand, the maximum temperature settled at one to two degrees Celsius below normal and the minimum temperature has also dropped by three to six degrees Celsius. In some areas, the minimum temperature has re ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 5 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual rise in the maximum temperature by five to seven degrees Celsius over the next five days in Delhi. Despite the warming trend, no heatwave conditions are expected during this period, according to a report prepared by the weather office. According to the IMD, the minimum temperature was appreciably below normal, by three to six degrees Celsius, and the maximum was markedly below normal -- by five to seven notches -- over the last few days. South-westerly winds with speeds up to 19 kmph were witnessed across ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI) Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, 1.8 notches below the seasonal average, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The minimum temperature settled at 25.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, two notches below the season's average, the IMD said. The humidity level stood at 47 per cent at 5:30 pm. The weather department has forecast partly cloudy sky for Saturday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded in ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): In view of rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect. The action came after Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 209, which falls under the 'Poor' category. The decision was a comprehensive review by the CAQM Sub-Committee, which convened on Saturday and reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi comprehensively. 'The AQI of Delhi has shown an increa ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 8 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to France, the European Union (EU), and Belgium from June 8 to 14, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a press release on Sunday. The visit marks a significant step in further strengthening India's strategic partnerships with Europe. The EAM will first travel to Paris and Marseille, France, where he will hold bilateral discussions with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean Noel Barrot. Also Read | Indian Citizen Dies in UAE: Civil Engineer Issac Paul ...Read More >
For the second consecutive day on Monday (December 2, 2024), Delhi's air quality showed a slight improvement although it remained in the 'poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 273 in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Sunday stood at 285, an improvement to the 'poor' category and a welcome relief following 32 consecutive days of 'very poor' and 'severe' air quality (AQI over 400). The city's air quality was last recorded in the 'poor' category on October 29 with an AQI of 268, according to the CPCB. Farm fires ris ...Read More >
Delhi residents breathed easier Thursday as air quality improved to 'moderate' after a month of severe pollution. The AQI dropped to 161, though some areas still experienced 'poor' air quality. Cooler temperatures and mist accompanied the improved air, with the minimum temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius. The Supreme Court maintained GRAP-IV restrictions, demanding compensation for construction workers from NCR states.Residents in Delhi took a sigh of relief on Thursday as the air quality inde ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its lowest minimum temperature of the winter season on Wednesday, with the mercury plunging to 4.9 degrees Celsius, a sharp drop from 8 degrees Celsius the previous day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated, "The minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius reported over Safdarjung is the lowest minimum of this winter season. The same minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius was reported last year also on 15th December." The coldest minimum temperature ever recorded at the Safdarjung station was 0.0 degrees Celsius on December 27, 1930, according to the ...Read More >
New Delhi: The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Thursday, with a thin layer of fog blanketing parts of the city and affecting visibility. An AQI reading of 340 was recorded at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data. Of the 38 monitoring stations that recorded air quality data in the national capital, 32 reported the AQI in the "very poor" category, according to the CPCB. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a thunderstorm accompanied by rain on Friday and Saturday, and issued a "yellow alert", predictin ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) The national capital wrapped up a rather warm January with Friday's maximum temperature reaching 27 degrees Celsius, making it the city's warmest day in the month since 2019. The month's average maximum temperature was 21.1 degrees Celsius, a notch above the long-period average of 20.1 degrees Celsius, marking it as Delhi's warmest January since 2019. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, nighttime temperatures were also higher than usual. The average minimum temperature for the month settled at 8.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the LPA of 7.5 deg ...Read More >
CHENNAI: Despite light drizzles in certain parts of Chennai city accompanied by overcast skies early Saturday morning (June 7), the heat became intense as the day progressed. In the Egmore area of the city, the recorded temperature was 37 degrees Celsius but high humidity made it feel much more hotter between 12 and 2 pm. Even Google's weather data confirmed it, mentioning that it feels like 46 degrees Celsius. Friday's actual temperature and feels-like temperature were the same as today. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast maximum temperatures of around 38-39 deg ...Read More >
Mumbai weather: The city witnessed cloudy skies and scattered showers on Saturday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert (extremely heavy rainfall) for three hours in the afternoon. The alert, which was announced at 3pm, was later downgraded to yellow (moderate to heavy rain) as rainfall remained marginal across the city. The yellow alert remained in place until 8:30am on Sunday. According to the IMD, the temporary escalation of the alert was due to a trough extending across Karnataka and Vidarbha. The interaction between moist and dry winds created conditio ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The city is set to experience light rainfall on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Cloudy skies are also expected in the city which is expected to remain the same throughout the day. The city woke up at 05: 53 AM. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to range from 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius, respectively. The city is expected to witness the sunset at 06: 45 PM. The residents will not get respite from the humidity and it is likely to be around 73 per cent. KSNDMC shared a weather report on X Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) shared a weathe ...Read More >
Delhi is facing worsening pollution and erratic weather patterns, with the air quality regularly reaching dangerous levels. This is partly due to climate change, with temperature rises and unpredictable rainfall patterns caused by global warming. The industrial revolution has played a significant role, contributing to the rise in global temperatures. The effects are already being felt, with 2024 witnessing record-breaking heat in India. Despite this, there is little action from society or leadership, with courts repeatedly stepping in to address issues like pollution and farm fires. The need f ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
KOLKATA: With the mercury dipping below 14 degrees before Dec 15, winter has set in early this year. In the past 11 years, the mercury dipped below 14 degrees before Dec 15 only once - in 2014. Even as the city started yearning for the chill, the Met office predicted a slight rise in mercury from Monday due to twin weather systems - one over the Bay of Bengal and another over north India. The minimum temperature plunged to 13.8 degrees on Thursday. The only time it dipped this low before the Dec fortnight was a decade ago. In the past two days, there has been a slight rise, with it standing a ...Read More >
Delhi Weather Today: After almost 5 days of cool and calm, the Delhi weather is turning up the heat... quite literally! According to the weather department, people in Delhi may have to bear the brunt of the rising temperature for the next week as the heat is only going to increase. The skies are likely to remain clear throughout the day, making way for the sun. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature is likely to cross 44 degrees in the next three days. On Saturday, June 7, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Delhi is like ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: The city is in for a spell of hot and dry days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by up to 6 degree Celsius over the next five days. While the mercury is expected to cross 40 degree Celsius, no heatwave conditions are likely, officials said on Friday. According to the weather office, the maximum temperature at Safdarjung on Thursday was 38.2 degree Celsius, about 2 degree below the seasonal average. Minimum temperature stood at 25.6 degree Celsius, also slightly lower than the normal. Similar trends were observed acro ...Read More >
Chennai ( Tamil Nadu) [India], November 27 (ANI): As a deep depression in the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards Tamil Nadu, the Indian Coast Guard has started coordinating with the state agencies to ensure seafarers' safety. The ICG said that its ships, aircraft and radar stations issued advisories for fishing boats to return to the harbour. "Deep Depression in the #BayofBengal likely to intensify into a cyclone and move towards #Tamilnadu, as per #IMD. @IndiaCoastGuard Region HQs (East) is coordinating with state agencies to ensure seafarers' saf ...Read More >
Srinagar: The minimum temperature has plummeted and settled below freezing point across Kashmir with many of the stations including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recording the season's coldest night. According to the news agency -- Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the night temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 2.1 degree Celsius. Shopian was the coldest in Kashmir as the mercury plummeted and settled at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 5.0 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree ...Read More >
Heavy rains lashed Thoothukudi and surrounding areas in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, causing severe waterlogging in several localities. The IMD predicts the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify and move towards the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing further rainfall across the state in the coming days.Several parts of Thoothukudi and adjoining areas witnessed severe waterlogging on Sunday as heavy rains continued to lash parts of Tamil Nadu. Visuals showed water ...Read More >
A severe cold wave, comparable to the intensity of summer heat, is expected to sweep across West Bengal. How long will these frigid conditions persist? A severe winter is approaching, with temperatures expected to drop sharply across West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has forecast a cold wave from December 13 to 15, marking the onset of intense winter conditions. Dry weather is likely to persist until December 18, accompanied by northerly winds sweeping across the state. Light fog is ex ...Read More >
Delhi Weather Update: Delhi experienced dense fog on Thursday morning, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a minimum temperature of 7°C. The fog led to the implementation of low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), although flights continued to operate as scheduled. The weather forecast for the coming days indicates that dense fog will persist in the early morning and late-night hours on December 26 and 28. The IMD also predicts partly cloudy skies, with the possibility of very light rain or drizzle during the evening or night. As of Thursd ...Read More >
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 5 (ANI): Fresh snowfall on Thursday caused a sharp drop in temperature in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall on the higher reaches is very rare in June. The minimum temperature in Dharamshala was recorded at 16 degrees Celsius, whereas the maximum temperature was 21 degrees Celsius. Also Read | OpenAI Academy India: ChatGPT Developer Launches First International Initiative To Expand Education Platform Partnering With IndiaAI Mission in Country. It has been raining every day for a week in Dharamshala. Tourism industry peo ...Read More >