NEW DELHI: Even as air quality levels in Delhi rose to the 'satisfactory' last week, environment experts have cautioned that it is no time to rejoice and asked both the central and Delhi governments to step up preparedness for the winter, when air quality colud plummet to 'very poor' levels.
While environmentalists want the Union Environment Ministry to fully notify the Supreme Court approved Comprehensive Clean Air Action plan for systemic reforms to kick start immediately, others say the priority for the Ministry should be to roll out the National Clean Air Programme by setting up time-bound emission targets to reduce air pollution.
With the monsoon brining air quality to 'satisfactory' level for the first time in nearly a year, Delhiites breathed the cleanest air this year last week, authorities said. The south-west monsoon hit the city on June 28. The air quality index (AQI) value for the Capital reached to "satisfactory" 83 on June 29.
There was a dip in the air quality level on June 13 due to dust storms in western India that pushed the air quality level to 'severe plus,' bringing to light that emergency level pollution could be a "summer-time problem" too.
Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director (research and advocacy) and head of the air pollution programme of Centre for Science and Environment, said that after a massive dust fall about a fortnight ago, the much awaited rains arrived to wash away the dust and particles from the air.
"However, immediately, the levels have plummeted to below the ambient air quality standards. Monsoon brings a short respite and provides some space to breathe free, but for how long," she asked.
"Before the rain dance ends, both the central and city governments have to step up their action and preparedness for what awaits us this winter. From seasonal air quality data every year, we know this deceptive lull lasts only till September as the pollution fury returns with vengeance in October," Roychowdhury added.