Shower improves air quality, brings relief
NEW DELHI: The air pollution in Delhi-NCR on Thursday dipped after sporadic showers across the national capital region and the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most areas came down to 'Unhealthy' levels from Thursday's 'Very Poor' reading in the morning.
Interestingly, the stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana accounted for 3 per cent of the total pollution as the vehicular emissions and constructions caused the worst damage to the environment. The millions of residents in the city and adjoining areas of Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurugram have been battling hazardous health conditions due to air pollution.
The overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 237 which falls in the 'poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Two areas of the city recorded 'very poor' air quality, 26 areas recorded 'poor' air quality while seven areas recorded 'moderate' air quality, it said.
On Thursday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 105, while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 191 in Delhi.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 moderate, 200 and 300 'poor, 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 'severe'. Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between 'very poor' and 'severe' after Diwali due to the explosion of firecrackers.
It was reported that a large chunk of the population in the national capital region wanted to move out of the area due to the inhuman gas chamber like situation. Citizens feel that the government has not done enough to curb the menace year after year while the governments of Delhi and neighbouring states have blamed each other for the situation.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has termed the situation as a health emergency stating that millions are at the risk of permanent lung damage and serious respiratory ailments.
The light spells of rain are the only respite for the residents as they have resulted in the mitigation of the air pollution in the area considerably.
The India Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted that there would be light showers on Thursday as well, bringing the pollution levels further down.
Surprisingly, the air quality at ITI Shahdra, Jhilmil Industrial Area was amazingly in the 'Moderate' category, with the AQI registering 98 at 10 am on Thursday.
