Slight improvement in Delhi's air but don't heave a sigh of relief just yet

The Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) next month, which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution.

The air quality in Delhi and neighbouring areas has slightly improved on Friday after it plummeted to 'severe' level on Tuesday,

The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 375 on Friday morning which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

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In Delhi, the overall PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 217 against the safe limit of 60. The PM2.5 also called "fine particulates," can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.

The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 368 against the safe limit of 100, as per SAFAR.

An AQI of 0-100 is considered 'Good+Satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe', as per SAFAR.

In NCR, barring Noida and Gurugram, there was a marginal improvement in PM2.5 and PM10 levels

The marginal improvement came after the environment panel imposed curbs on some industries amid forecasts that pollution may worsen.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), which is monitoring the pollution levels, announced restrictions on construction activities, hot mix plants, coal and biomass-based industries, brick kilns and stone crushers in the NCR.

It added that it could also restrict the movement of private vehicles and entry of trucks to Delhi, if needed.

The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators.

Meanwhile, Delhi civic bodies have slapped fines to the tune of Rs 3 million for pollution violations.

According to reports, the Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) next month, which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution.

The EPCA has urged people to reduce the use of private vehicles and completely stop plying diesel vehicles during this period.

Business Standard