Over 50% drop in air pollution recorded: Govt

The air quality of Delhi improved considerably on Saturday, mainly due to strong winds and sunny condition, with level of particulate matter settling 50 per cent less than the average readings since the enforcement of the odd-even car rationing measures, the Delhi government said on Sunday.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), which collected samples from 18 locations, said PM 2.5 and PM 10, respirable particulate matters that cause harm to the respiratory system, saw an average reduction of 50 and 30 per cent respectively.  “PM 2.5 air pollution levels on Saturday at the 18 locations showed recordings of less than 100 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) at nine locations, which is over 50 per cent less than average recordings since the odd-even regulations were put in place for four-wheelers since January 1,” an official statement said.

Experts had put yesterday’s air quality in the ‘moderate’ category, which is a rarity during the city’s winters, notorious for soaring levels of pollutants.