As the monsoon rains came, it not only brought respite from the scorching heat but also helped cities to reduce the poor air quality.
The national capital, Delhi, considered among the most polluted cities in the world, is presently enjoying some of its cleanest-air days.
From over the past five days, the Air Quality Index (AQI) value, which hovers in the ‘Moderate’ and ‘Poor’ category during the summer in the national capital, has come down to ‘Satisfactory’. It has been ranging between 50 and 100.
On Monday the AQI value was 65. It has remained below 100 since July 25. On July 24 it was 164. On a scale of 0 – 500, an AQI value between 0-50 is considered ‘Good’ and a value between 50 and 100 is considered to be ‘Satisfactory’. During winters this value touches nearly 500.
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A senior official of the Central Pollution Control Board said, “The air quality has improved to ‘Satisfactory’ levels because of the intermittent rains and winds. The dust particles have all been washed away.”
While senior officials of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee said that steps to curb pollution, such as mechanical sweeping of roads and penalising people and organisations for violating green norms, are still continuing.
Delhi’s rain deficiency which was hovering above 85% even a week ago, has now come down to just 30%. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rains this week.