Faridabad’s air quality down

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, October 8

Air quality is on the decline in Faridabad. Over a week after the last monsoon showers, dryness in the air has started showing with smog and increase in average particulate matter of 2.5 micrograms (PM-2.5).

On Monday, the PM-2.5 level was recorded at 255 at 8 am and it shot up to 302 at 4 pm, turning the quality of air from poor to very poor. The maximum temperature was recorded at 34 degree Celsius.

It was perhaps for the first time this month that the PM-2.5 level crossed 300. On September 7, the level hit 386 during the day.

July was the best month this year with 16 days as satisfactory (PM-2.5 level between 60 and 100) and 11 days as moderate (PM-2.5 level between 100 and 200).

August and September remained between satisfactory and moderate levels. The safe level was up to 60 per cubic metre with over 400 termed as severe.

Blaming slow wind conditions, coupled with traffic and stubble burning, an official said the PM-2.5 level would go up in view of fall in night temperatures and less chances of precipitation.

Air quality was likely to be very poor and even severe in November and December as gases emitted by vehicles and industrial units would remain suspended in the air.

“Spraying of water on trees on roadsides and closure of stone crushers and mining can keep a tab on the problem,” said Vijay Chaudhary, Regional Officer, Pollution Control Department.