Gurugram registers poorer air quality than Delhi once again

GURUGRAM: Even the monsoon failed to clean Gurugram's poisonous air, which once again trumped Delhi by recording a worse air quality than the national Capital.

According to recent data, the presence of PM2.5 in Gurugram was recorded at 150 microgram per cubic metre (µg/m³), considerably higher than the safe limit of 60 µg/m³.

In comparison, Anand Vihar – which on most occasions has worse air quality than Delhi – recorded PM2.5 levels at 100-115 60 µg/m³.

Intervention from the higher judiciary, strict action undertaken by public authorities and citizen participation is resulting in many initiatives being taking to improve the quality of air in Delhi.

In contrast, Gurugram – which is facing challenges due to repeated traffic congestions, rampant construction activities and weak regulations on burning of garbage waste – continues to grapple with air pollution caused due to dust and harmful gases.

Rising air pollution in Gurugram is showing its adverse effects, with the number of asthma patients rising in the city.

In the last three years, the number of asthma patients in the Millennium City has increased by nearly three times, according to recent data by the District Health Department.

In 2015, a test conducted on 100 district public officials showed that over 57 per cent of the bureaucrats suffered from lung impairment disorder.

Meanwhile, taking cognisance of the shortcomings at pollution under control certificate (PUC) centres, it was announced that a special cell equipped with tools for testing emission levels of vehicles and technical staff would be constituted.

Additionally, 19 more continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations would be established in Haryana to monitor air pollution levels.

"It is sad to see that pollution is still not being taken that seriously. There may be certain policies that may have been announced, but now they should be implemented as well," said Shruti Puri, a Gurugram resident.