Over 50 per cent in air pollution: DPCC

Syed Ali Ahmed

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 10 

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) today claimed that there was more than 50 per cent drop in air pollution on Saturday, primarily caused by vehicular traffic. 

This claim was made on the basis of the latest ambient air data collected by mobile teams of the DPCC on Saturday at 18 locations, through mobile dust samplers on using the Light Scattering Technique.

Some of the locations are: Block - C Trilokpuri, Maharaja Agarsen College near Trilokpuri, New Ashok Nagar, Jhilmil Colony, Bhagwati Garden Extension, Anup Nagar, Matiala, Kazipur, Prem Vihar, Mangalam Vihar, Brijpuri, Rajeev Nagar, Badarpur Khadar Village, Vikaspuri DDA Market, etc. 

The data showed recordings of less than 100 (ug/m3) at nine locations, which is more than 50 per cent less than average recordings since the odd-even regulations were put in place for private cars. Besides, four locations showed PM 2.5 measurements between 100 and 200. Of these total 18 locations, lowest measurement was at 59 and the highest at 301.

Out of a total of around 150 locations across the national Capital, where mobile DPCC teams have so far collected ambient air data since 1st January, the data of Saturday has shown the most encouraging results so far, the DPCC said. 

In 18 locations measured, even the PM 10 air pollution levels have shown a marked decline. PM 10 levels have been recorded between 135 and 475. In 8 of the 18 locations, PM 10 levels were recorded at less than 200. On an average, PM 10 levels are also showing a drop of close to 30 per cent.

According to the scientists, who showed presentation of pollution level decline to the Delhi Government, favourable weather conditions on Saturday, particularly a positive wind speed and sunny conditions, added to the positive air quality. Scientists have been consistently predicting that moment weather conditions improve, the results of odd - even formula for four wheeled vehicles will show immediate results.