A view of Rajpath road engulfed in haze in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR and nearby areas shot up again on Sunday morning, with the air quality bordering 'severe plus' category at several places.

A slight increase in the wind speed and a light drizzle on Saturday had led a drop in pollution levels with the air quality index settling at 399 in the evening.

However, weather experts said pollution levels shot up overnight due to calm winds leading to accumulation of pollutants.

At 11 a.m., Delhi's AQI read 483.

Here are the LIVE updates:

10:11 pm: 37 flights diverted, 550-plus delayed at Delhi airport due to smog

Low visibility due to heavy smog disrupted flight operations at the Delhi airport on Sunday, with 37 flights diverted to other airports and more than 250 departures and 300 arrivals delayed, officials said.

An airport official said the visibility improved around 3.30 pm.

Pollution levels in Delhi peaked to a three-year high on Sunday. NASA satellite imagery showed vast swathes of the northern plains, covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, blanketed under a smoky haze.

Due to low visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), 37 flights were diverted between 9 am and 1 pm to places like Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow and Mumbai, the airport officials said.

A senior government official said more than 250 departures and 300-plus arrivals at the Delhi airport were delayed due to heavy smog.

While Air India said it had diverted 12 flights since 9 am, Vistara said it had diverted five flights after 10 am due to the smog.

IndiGo and AirAsia India told PTI that they diverted five and two flights, respectively.

9:36 pm: UP too acts against farmers burning stubble

Taking cognizance of the menace of stubble burning, the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department too has begun taking action against farmers, indulging in stubble burning, officials said on Sunday.

UP Agriculture Department Deputy Director Ashutosh Mishra said flying squads in five tehsils of the Hardoi district on Saturday imposed fine of Rs 2.32 lakh on 66 farmers.

Meanwhile, in Lucknow, the Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday warned against burning of garbage, polythene and stubble in the field.

(PTI)

9:12 pm: 300 teams in the field in Delhi to fight pollution

The Central government is keeping a close watch on the situation arising out of elevated air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.

Officials pointed out that about 300 teams are in the field in Delhi to reduce air pollution. The necessary machinery for this work has been distributed in the states.

The main focus of the Central government is on the seven industrial clusters and major traffic corridors in Delhi-NCR region.

The Centre is keeping a close watch on polluting units and burning of waste besides the construction activities.

Alarm bells are ringing as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed an all time high of 1,000 in some parts of Delhi-NCR causing concern and anxiety among the people.

A public health emergency has already been enforced in the region. All schools have been shut in Delhi and Noida till Tuesday.

9:04 pm: All schools in NCR to remain shut till Tuesday

All government and private schools up to Class 12 in the National Capital Region will remain closed till Tuesday in the wake of spike in pollution levels, officials said.

Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad administrations said the decision has been taken as the levels of particulate matter 2.5 and 10 have been excessive in the air since Diwali, resulting in a major dip in the overall air quality.

"Transport vehicles like buses and minibuses, which a lot of schools use to ferry children, are a major contributor of PM 2.5 and PM 10. The movement of such vehicles in the city now could aggravate the situation," District Magistrate B N Singh said in a written order.

"Hence, it is ordered that all schools up to Class 12 in Gautam Buddh Nagar will remain closed on November 4 and 5," he added.

(PTI)

8:57 pm: 2,900 fires/hotspots detected during the most recently processed satellite overpass. The pollution situation is not getting better any time soon.

8:55 pm: 40% smoke in winters due to agri waste burning, says TERI

The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) DG Ajay Mathur said, "Along with year-round sources of pollutants, agriculture waste burning is a prime contributor in the deterioration of air quality these days. To avoid exposure, non-essential commute should be curtailed."

TERI report says 40% smoke in Delhi during winters due to agriculture waste burning.

8:41 pm: Delhi Congress leaders court arrest over rising pollution

Amid rising pollution and deteriorating air quality, the fight between the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has turned political.

The Delhi Congress leaders blamed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not doing anything to prevent pollution, protested against the state government and even courted arrest.

The protest at Kejriwal's residence was led by newly appointed DPCC chief Subhash Chopra.

Delhi's air quality has become toxic with air quality index (AQI) in some places recording 1,200.

(IANS)

8:00 pm: NHAI fined Rs 6.84 crore for causing pollution in UP

The National Highways of India (NHAI) of India has been fined Rs 6.84 crore for polluting air due to consistent construction activity in Uttar Pradesh's Agra, officials said on Sunday.

The authority has also been instructed to sprinkle water wherever construction work is being undertaken around Agra, they said.

A fine of Rs 6.84 crore has been imposed on NHAI for causing air pollution through construction activities, said Bhuvan Yadav, Regional Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board in Agra.

Also, directions have been issued to Agra Nagar Nigam to carry out mechanized sweeping work to help reduce air pollution, he said.

The anti-pollution board has also instructed brick kilns around the city using old technology to switch over to Zig-Zag technology to help reduce air pollution.

(PTI)

7:53 pm: Pray to Lord Indra to check pollution, says UP minister

Uttar Pradesh minister Sunil Bharala has suggested a unique solution to the health emergency caused by pollution. The minister believes that a 'yagna' will please Lord Indra, who would help reduce pollution by bringing rainfall.

UP minister Sunil Bharala's comments came at a time when Delhi, parts of western and central Uttar Pradesh are under the grip of one of the worst air quality with the AQI level in most places is either in 'very poor' or in 'severe' category.

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7:52 pm: PM Modi's Principal Secy holds emergency meet as Delhi chokes

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister has reviewed the grave situation of severe air pollution in Delhi, it's adjoining NCR region and other parts of North India on Sunday.



P.K. Mishra, on Sunday reviewed at a high-level meeting, the situation arising out of severe air pollution. Senior officials from the States of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi - the three states most affected, joined the meeting through video conferencing.



The Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Goba will monitor the situation with these States on a daily basis and instruct necessary actions, to facilitate a better coordination. The three states are ruled by different political parties which resulted in a lot of politicking and blame game.



Chief Secretaries of these States have been asked to monitor the situation right at the district level in their respective States, on a 24x7 basis.

Principal Secretary to Prime Minister had earlier reviewed the situation on 24th October. A series of meetings have taken place for the necessary preparation, including one meeting by the Cabinet Secretary on this subject (air pollution), on 4th October. https://t.co/osbUhemsqJ ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

7:51 pm: Air quality remains grim in Punjab, Haryana

As stubble burning in the fields continued, a blanket of smog engulfed Punjab and Haryana with the PM 2.5 level extremely high at some places over 800, on Sunday.

PM 2.5 is tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated.

PM 2.5 AQI in industrial town Mandi Gobindgarh was at 844 at 7.30 a.m., the worst in the state.

Comparatively, its neighbouring industrial hub Ludhiana saw a day's high of 241. This was the highest in the 24 hours, according to website BreeZo.

Another town Patiala saw a day's high at 223, while the state capital Chandigarh saw air quality moderate at 182. Chandigarh's low was PM 2.5 at 48 at 6.30 a.m. in the morning.

Amritsar saw at 183, while the 24-hour high was 206.

According to the India Meteorological Department in Chandigarh, scattered rainfall in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh is likely on November 7 and 8 under the influence of western disturbances, which may bring relief from haze.

(IANS)

7:42 pm: TERI suggests work from home amid high pollution level in city

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has advised caution and avoidance of non-essential travel to lower exposure to pollution, and appealed organisations to allow their employees remote modes of working.

It also urged parents to cut outside exposure time for children. The Delhi government has already announced closure of schools.

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6:11 pm: Health Advisory issued for public by Delhi Government for protection from air pollution

Delhi government on Sunday issued a health advisory to help people fight the severe air pollution level plaguing the national capital for the past few days. On Sunday, the Air Quality Index in Delhi was recorded at 999 at several places. The acceptable AQI level is below 200.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ADVISORY

6:08 pm: Schools to remain closed in Gurugram on November 4 and 5

6:02 pm: Bangladesh team arrives at Arun Jaitley Stadium for first T20i of the series against India. Match scheduled to begin at 7 pm.

Delhi: Bangladesh team has arrived at Arun Jaitley Stadium for the first T20i of the series against India. Match scheduled to begin at 7 pm ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

5:29 pm: Congress workers protest outside Delhi CM kejriwal's residence on pollution issue

5:27 pm: CISF provides mask to security personnel across city

In view of the poor air quality in Delhi-NCR region, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Sunday issued masks to its personnel deployed at IGI Airport, Delhi Metro, Government Building Security, Special Service Group (SSG) and other Units.

"Rajesh Ranjan, Director General, CISF directed to issue masks immediately to the personnel deployed at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Government Building Security, IGI Airport, SSG (Special Security Group performing VIP security duties) and other units of Delhi/NCR," read an official statement.

The N-95 anti-pollution masks had been procured and issued to the personnel. The personnel will wear the mask till air quality improves.

CISF will also render medical assistance to its personnel deployed at Delhi/NCR having breathing troubles.

5:25 pm: Major pollutants PM 2.5 at 500 & PM 10 at 500, remain in 'severe' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Delhi: Major pollutants PM 2.5 at 500 & PM 10 at 500, remain in 'severe' category in Lodhi Road area, according to Air Quality Index (AQI) data. pic.twitter.com/VjVsJd1hYU ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

5:24 pm: Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary of India, to hold a high level meeting today, through video conferencing, to tackle air pollution.

Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary of India, to hold a high level meeting today, through video conferencing, to tackle air pollution. pic.twitter.com/XffK9FSkJl ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

4:15 pm: Action initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers over stubble burning

Punjab Chief Minister's Office (PMO) on Sunday said, "Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in Punjab."

Punjab Chief Minister's Office (PMO): Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in Punjab. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/bZTPgfjFc7 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

4:09 pm: India vs Bangladesh: 'Delhi T20I not called off yet'

Despite a thick blanket of smog shrouding the national capital, the T20I match between India and Bangladesh slated to be played later today at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has not been called off yet, sources in the BCCI said.

"The match has not been called off yet. It is too early to decide as the match is at 7 pm," a source in the cricket body told ANI.

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3.40 pm: Schools closed till Nov 5 not Nov 8, says Manish Sisodia

Fake letter circulating on social media regarding school college closure till November 8.

So far schools have been closed till November 5; any further decision shall be communicated through proper channels only.



All are advised not to believe on such fake letters or news. Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) November 3, 2019

3.25 pm: 37 flights were diverted between 9 am and 1 pm due to low visibility: Delhi airport

Delhi Airport statement: Due to low visibility at Delhi Airport, 37 flights were diverted between 9 am and 1 pm to places including Jaipur, Amritsar and Lucknow among others, today. As of now, the visibility has improved. https://t.co/lRxZei1mQ8 ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

3.10 pm: Arvind Kejriwal says all governments should come together and discuss the issue

Delhi CM: All scientists & experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don't want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage.All governments should come together &discuss the issue. pic.twitter.com/gxAlkVMKgN ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2019

2.50 pm: Arvind Kejriwal asks Centre to take immediate measures for Delhi pollution

"Pollution has rched unbearable levels across N India. Del govt taken many steps. Delhiites hv made many sacrifices. Del suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressd concern. Centre shud take immediate steps 2 provide relief. V will support Centre in all initiatives," Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.

Pollution has rched unbearable levels across N India. Del govt taken many steps. Delhiites hv made many sacrifices. Del suffering for no fault of theirs. Punjab CM also expressd concern. Centre shud take immediate steps 2 provide relief. V will support Centre in all initiatives https://t.co/Vx85xYlDId Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 3, 2019

2.40 pm: Delhi CM called for an emergency meeting of concerned officials over rising air pollution

An urgent meeting has been called at the Delhi CM's residence over concerning levels of air pollution in the capital. Officials and ministers are attending the meeting to discuss what more measures can be taken to control rising pollutant levels.

2.20 pm: According to AQI recorded at 2 pm on Sunday, several areas of Delhi have reached the 999 mark, which is in the 'Hazardous' category.

2.10 pm: Schools in Noida, Greater Noida shut till November 5 due to rising pollution

All government and private schools up till Class 12 in Noida and Greater Noida will remain closed on November 4 and 5 in the wake of spike in the pollution level, officials said.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration said the decision has been taken as the levels of particulate matter 2.5 and 10 have been excessive in the air since Diwali, resulting in a major dip in the overall air quality.

"Transport vehicles like buses and minibuses, which a lot of schools use to ferry children, are a major contributor of PM 2.5 and PM 10. The movement of such vehicles in the city now could aggravate the situation," District Magistrate B N Singh said in a written order.

"Hence, it is ordered that all schools up till Class 12 in Gautam Buddh Nagar will remain closed on November 4 and 5," he said.

2.00 pm: Thirty-two flights were diverted from Delhi airport due to low visibility caused by pollution, airport officials said.

"Total 32 flights have been diverted from Delhi airport on Sunday morning due to bad weather," they said.

Pollution levels earlier :

On Friday, the city recorded the 24-hour AQI average of 484, which prompted authorities to shut schools, ban all construction activities and declare a "public health emergency".

The Friday's highest was the worst since November 9, 2017, when it was 486.

The AQI at Pusa, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh and ITO was between 490 and 500.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Noida (487), Ghaziabad (483) and Greater Noida (470), Gurgaon (457), breathed extremely polluted air.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. Above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category.

NASA satellite imagery showed vast swathes of the northern plains, covering Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal, blanketed under a smoky haze.

Delhi is pinning hopes on meteorological relief with the weatherman saying winds gusting up to 20-25 kilometers per hour are likely to prevail in the region from Sunday evening to Tuesday.

Scattered rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi is likely on November 7 and 8 under the influence of Cyclone Maha and a fresh western disturbance.

This rainfall, however light, will be significant in terms of reducing the effect of stubble burning and washing away pollutants, officials said.

On Friday, the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority had declared the "public health emergency", following which the Delhi government decided to shut all schools.

The EPCA also banned all construction activities in Delhi-NCR till November 5.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called Delhi a "gas chamber" and blamed stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab for the apocalyptic haze shrouding Delhi.

The share of stubble burning in Delhi's pollution stood at 46 per cent on Friday, the highest so far. It dropped to 17 per cent on Saturday and is expected to be 12 per cent on Sunday, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR.

(With inputs from PTI)