-PTI Deteriorating air quality in the national capital could be a reason for serious health risk, government today said but maintained that there is no conclusive data to establish it. Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan also informed the Rajya Sabha that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring air quality in Delhi and steps have been taken to control environmental pollution. Noting that health effects, such as manifestation of respiratory ailments, could be...

-The Telegraph More than one in eight registered pesticides, including the controversial endosulfan, endanger people’s reproductive and nervous systems and may cause cancer and congenital deformities, a Supreme Court-appointed expert committee has said. The panel has suggested these pesticides should be phased out over the next two years instead of their existing stocks being immediately incinerated, as the latter process would cost the exchequer Rs 1,189 crore. A public interest litigation moved last...

-The Indian Express Underlining the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) submission that the Yamuna turns into a drain after traversing through certain areas of Delhi, the Supreme Court on Friday called for a collective effort by all stakeholders to rectify the “pathetic” situation. “It is stated that Delhi does not have a proper drainage system. Yamuna is merely a drain. It does not have fresh water after Wazirabad. Out of 30 Sewage...

-The Indian Express 207 HRS and Counting Met warns of dense smog starting Nov 12, says not seen since 1989 After 207 hours of smog cover, the city saw clear sky when the afternoon sun returned on Thursday. But the worst of the fog spell, which leads to smog formation, is yet to come, the weatherman claims. The maximum total fog hours in November was in 2008, when there were three spells of...

-The Hindustan Times There is a nip in the air even though winter is yet to arrive in full force in Delhi. The Capital, however, is choking with winter smog due to a heavier pollution load. The levels of respirable particulate matter (PM10) have surged 47% and nitrogen dioxide levels have increased 57%. The current levels of fine particulates are four to six times higher than the acceptable limit. Along with...