Relief for Delhiites as air quality in moderate class

New Delhi: Delhi’s air quality improved significantly on Sunday with the air quality index recorded in the “moderate” category, as per data by government authorities. The overall air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm Sunday was recorded at 171, which falls in the “moderate” category. On Sunday morning it was 231, which falls in the “poor” category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data said.

Authorities have attributed the improvement in air quality to control measures and meteorological conditions but they have also warned of deterioration of air quality to “severe” levels from Monday.

The concentration of dangerous pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 in Delhi’s air came down significantly on Sunday with both being recorded at 88 and 160 microgramme per cubic metre respectively.

Delhi authorities have stepped up efforts to combat pollution which includes measures like halting construction activities and regulating traffic.

There is a halt on all construction activities involving excavation. Civil construction has also been suspended in Delhi and other NCR districts, besides closure of all stone crushers and hot mix plants generating dust pollution.

Meanwhile, shifting the morning assembly of students indoors, mandating them to wear masks during outdoor activities and distributing gooseberries are among the measures taken by schools in Delhi and adjoining areas to deal with the alarming level of air pollution.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also directed the transport department and the traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in the region during November 1-10.