air pollution in delhi
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
The air pollution situation in the country and Delhi-NCR improved significantly on Thursday. After several days, Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 371, down from 400, which is in the very poor category. Hajipur in Bihar was the only city where AQI recorded 403 in the severe category. After this came Delhi. However, out of the data of 35 monitoring centers of Delhi, only six centers recorded air quality in severe category while in 28 centers it remained in very poor category. Even today, AQI above 400 has been recorded in many areas of Delhi. Jahangirpuri has the highest number of 424.
Except Hajipur and Delhi, there were 11 other cities in the country where AQI was recorded between 301 to 400. Among these, the highest number was 360 in Bahadurgarh and the lowest was 303 in Buxar. Air quality in other cities of NCR was recorded in poor category. Of these, Gurugram’s AQI was 298, Ghaziabad’s 291, Noida’s 253, Faridabad’s 243 and Greater Noida’s 212.
Priyanka Singh, program head of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, said that since the stubble burning season is almost over, the impact of it on air quality in Delhi will reduce in the coming days. However, with this, cold has also started in Delhi and the night temperature has come down to around 10 degrees. To avoid this, people will light bonfires etc. which may increase the level of PM 2.5.
broken string of breaths
In view of pollution, the government is sprinkling water on the roads every day, but not on the trees and plants. Whereas clean air is available only from them. The thick layer of dust deposited on them is hindering the process of photosynthesis. Its effect is visible in the pictures also. Such is the condition of almost every tree and plant in Delhi. Vivek Nigam
Timings of central government offices will change
In view of the serious situation of air pollution in the national capital, the Central Government has decided to stagger the working timings in its offices. Apart from this, employees have been suggested to car pool instead of private vehicles or come to office by public vehicles. The Union Personnel Ministry has ordered in this regard. It said, central ministries, departments, organizations can decide the time of movement of personnel as per their needs, but keep in mind that the work is not affected. It has been suggested to open some offices from 9 to 5:30 and the rest from 10 to 6:30.
Be helpful in reducing pollution
If garbage is burning around you, dust is flying due to potholes on the road, or pollution is spreading due to traffic jam, then share information about such cases with photos on WhatsApp number 9873687563. It will be investigated and published along with the response from the responsible officials.
cleaning at night
Following the cleanliness drive and to curb pollution levels, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has started night cleaning of roads at various places in the national capital.