Air quality in Delhi, NCR improves

The air quality in Delhi and the National capital region continues to improve as the level of pollutants is on a decline. The declining trend started on Sunday afternoon and continued even today in Delhi and NCR. The Central Pollution Control Board ADG Dr D Saha has predicted further improvement in weather conditions which is likely to help disperse pollutants leading to further improvement in the air quality. 

The pollution level this morning declined from severe to the very poor category with air quality Index recording 388. MeT department says the visibility remained at 1500 metres at 5.30 this morning. It forecast a cloudy sky during the day. 

Delhi government has said, the ban on the entry of trucks in the national capital has been extended till further orders due to fluctuating levels of air pollution. As per the Graded Response Action Plan implemented in Delhi, the ban on entry of truck in Delhi comes into force when PM



2.5 levels cross 300 microgrammes per cubic metre and PM10 levels rise over 500 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Environment Ministry yesterday asked all state pollution control boards to intensify action against violators, especially in the industrial and construction sectors, to curb air pollution in the Delhi-NCR. It also asked all government agencies to maintain the highest level of alertness and continue their efforts to check pollution. 

Rising air pollution in the city in past 10 days forced the government authorities and other concerned agencies to take urgent measures to tackle the situation. The measures included shutting down of thermal power plants, four-fold hike in parking fees, banning entry of trucks and sprinkling of water.

The States adjoining Delhi were asked to take steps to prevent stubble burning and generate awareness among the farmers about its adverse impact.