Delhi Pollution
The pollution level in Delhi has surged again owing to local factors such as vehicular pollution and dust due to construction. This has happened a week after emerging reports saying the air quality in Delhi had turned good for the second time this year.
Since last Tuesday, the air quality index or the AQI has spiked by more the four times, reaching the 159 mark, as per the centre’s SAFAR initiative – System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research Institute.
An Air Quality Index (AQI) in between 0-50 s considered good, between 51-100 is said to be satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor while 401-500 is severely polluted.
A Central Pollution Control Board (CBCP) Official told PTI that sudden upsurge in Delhi’s pollution is due to local factors, mostly vehicular pollution. “The local factors have resulted in rise of pollution level ever since monsoon has retreated”, the official said.
CBCP data said that PM 10 level i.e. presence of particle with a diameter of 10mm or less was recorded at 171 in the national capital region which is moderated and 167 in the capital city alone. The presence of particle with a diameter of 2.5mm or less i.e. PM 2.5 level in the air was 85 in Delhi and 81 in the NCR.
Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), the body appointed by the apex court, has called for a meeting next week to discuss practical solutions to check rising pollution in Delhi.
The pollution level, especially the PM10 level, is expected to rise in the coming days, as per SAFAR. The air quality had improved in the last two months due to monsoon rains.
( With inputs from PTI )
