GURUGRAM: The city witnessed a dip in air pollution level on Wednesday by nearly 20% as compared to Tuesday.
According to Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) , the highest level of PM2.5 on Wednesday was 173.63 micrograms per cubic metre while on Tuesday it was 215.46 micrograms per cubic metre. Air quality index (AQI) was 294 (poor) on Wednesday as compared to 369 (very poor) on Tuesday.
Jai Bhagwan, regional officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board said a slight increase in vertical wind speed has made the situation better. "The wind speed was almost nil on Tuesday. That is why, the concentration of PM2.5 increased in the lower atmosphere. However, Wednesday witnessed an increase in vertical wind speed and turbulence, which has made the situation better," he said.
According to Met department, the situation is expected to improve further in the next three days. "We are expecting the wind speed to increase in the next two-three days. It might help in dispersal of particulate matter in the lower atmosphere," said a Met official.
Experts blamed construction activities and garbage burning for the spike in pollution on Tuesday. "Air pollution is always there in the atmosphere. Due to wind patterns and weather conditions, it is now visible. Also, dust pollution from construction activities and unchecked garbage burning leads to increase in concentration of particulate matter.
There is a need to completely control waste burning and keep a check on construction activities," said Niranjan Raje, former member of Environmental Pollution Control Authority.
Meanwhile, officials claimed that all measures under the graded response action plan were being implemented. "Even though the air quality has gone down to 'Poor' from 'Very Poor', we are still continuing to implement GRAP measures. We are regularly inspecting the construction sites, ensuring a ban on waste burning and continuing mechanised sweeping of roads," said Jai Bhagwan.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality improved on Wednesday as high wind speeds brought pollution levels back down to the "poor" category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 282 on Wednesday — the cleanest since October 12, when air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 268.
Pollution levels in the capital were close to "severe" over the last few days and were forecast to rise gradually. The change in wind direction and increase in wind speed, however, saw pollution levels dip from Wednesday morning.
According to Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) , the highest level of PM2.5 on Wednesday was 173.63 micrograms per cubic metre while on Tuesday it was 215.46 micrograms per cubic metre. Air quality index (AQI) was 294 (poor) on Wednesday as compared to 369 (very poor) on Tuesday.
Jai Bhagwan, regional officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board said a slight increase in vertical wind speed has made the situation better. "The wind speed was almost nil on Tuesday. That is why, the concentration of PM2.5 increased in the lower atmosphere. However, Wednesday witnessed an increase in vertical wind speed and turbulence, which has made the situation better," he said.
According to Met department, the situation is expected to improve further in the next three days. "We are expecting the wind speed to increase in the next two-three days. It might help in dispersal of particulate matter in the lower atmosphere," said a Met official.
Experts blamed construction activities and garbage burning for the spike in pollution on Tuesday. "Air pollution is always there in the atmosphere. Due to wind patterns and weather conditions, it is now visible. Also, dust pollution from construction activities and unchecked garbage burning leads to increase in concentration of particulate matter.
There is a need to completely control waste burning and keep a check on construction activities," said Niranjan Raje, former member of Environmental Pollution Control Authority.
Meanwhile, officials claimed that all measures under the graded response action plan were being implemented. "Even though the air quality has gone down to 'Poor' from 'Very Poor', we are still continuing to implement GRAP measures. We are regularly inspecting the construction sites, ensuring a ban on waste burning and continuing mechanised sweeping of roads," said Jai Bhagwan.
Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality improved on Wednesday as high wind speeds brought pollution levels back down to the "poor" category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 282 on Wednesday — the cleanest since October 12, when air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 268.
Pollution levels in the capital were close to "severe" over the last few days and were forecast to rise gradually. The change in wind direction and increase in wind speed, however, saw pollution levels dip from Wednesday morning.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
