Air quality dips again in NCR

Bijendra Ahlawat
Tribune News Service
Faridabad, December 6

The air quality has dipped again after a gap of about three weeks in the National Capital Region. After figuring in the “poor”, “moderate” and “very poor” categories for several days after November 15, the unfavorable meteorological conditions pushed the air quality to the “hazardous” category on Friday morning in Faridabad city and almost the entire NCR belt.

The PM-2.5 (particulate matter of the size of 2.5 micrograms hanging in air per cubic square metre) jumped over 400 this morning and is likely to plunge further for the next few days on account of low wind speed and decreased temperature. Any relief is expected only after a change in wind speed or precipitation, say weather experts.

The PM-2.5 was 412 at 8.30 am today and it remained between 380 and 400 throughout the day. The air quality at this level can prove very harmful to human beings, especially those suffering from respiratory disorders or asthma. The level above 400 was last noticed on November 15, when it had hit 459.

“The deterioration in the AQI (air quality index) has been in view of the drop in temperature and poor wind flow,” said JB Sharma, Regional Officer, Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB). Blaming the climatic conditions, he said low turbulence in air supported by drop in temperature has made the pollutants hang at lower levels resulting in worsening of the air quality. He said the AQI of Sonepat also located in the NCR had been better in view of the wind direction.

The PM-2.5 in other NCR cities also touched “severe” today.

Friday markings 
Cities  PM 2.5

Faridabad 404 
Gurugram 389 
Ballabgarh 405 
Delhi         406 
Noida         416 
Greater Noida415
Ghaziabad 416 
Palwal         396