Gurugram's AQI 'poor' for second day, may worsen due to low wind speed

GURUGRAM: The air quality index (AQI) in the city remained in the 'poor' zone for the second successive day on Saturday, at 206, with forecasts predicting a climb into the 'very poor' levels. It was, however, slightly better than the previous day (242). With Diwali around the corner, pollution control board officials are also factoring in the impact of firecrackers being burst, even though they are banned, except for green crackers.
HSPCB officials said the increased vehicular emission because of the festive rush is also contributing to poor air quality. "Our teams are keeping a strict vigil across the city to ensure all norms under GRAP are adhered to. Unlike previous years, we are witnessing relatively less firecracker bursting, which usually starts a week before Diwali. So, we are hoping people understand its adverse impact on the air quality and shun the practice of bursting crackers, instead celebrating the occasion with lights," said Sandeep Singh, the HSPCB regional officer for Gurgaon.
"We are also coordinating with traffic police to minimise traffic congestion, as it increases vehicular emissions. Since the atmospheric conditions are not favourable at present with low winds, pollutants easily get trapped in the air, degrading air quality," he added.
On Saturday, AQI was in the 'very poor' category at Sector 51 with a reading of 359, while it was in the 'poor' category at Teri Gram with an AQI of 215 and 'moderate' at Vikas Sadan with a reading of 182. The AQI at Gwalpahari could not be calculated because of insufficient data.
The maximum temperature was 31.3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was 17.5 degrees Celsius. IMD officials said though the coming days will remain sunny, wind speeds will only be around 8kmph to 10kmph, making dispersion of pollutants difficult. "The weather is likely to remain clear and sunny for the next five days, while there will be a gradual fall in the nighttime temperature to 16-17 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is expected to remain at 31-32 degrees Celsius," an IMD official said.