New Delhi: A day after Diwali, when pollution traditionally peaks, the Union environment ministry took stock of the air quality in Delhi today.
On Monday, data from the central pollution monitoring agency showed that concentrations of Particulate Matter or PM 10 (coarser pollutants) was over 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100 at around 2 am in Delhi's Anand Vihar. PM 2.5, a standard measure of air quality, was as much as 14 times the safe limit.
The ministry said the air pollution problem has been made worse due to lower temperatures which typically trap pollution at lower levels, and the low wind speed. A higher wind speed could have helped disperse pollution out of Delhi.
Municipal bodies in and around Delhi will be required to strictly enforce a ban on the burning waste in open. They will also have to ensure that construction activity does not kick up dust. Road owning agencies will have to periodically spray water on roads to trap dust.
Pollution in Delhi peaks during Diwali as a hazardous mix of noxious gases and pollutants hang very close to the surface. The Delhi High Court had described the capital as "gas chamber" last year.
On Monday, data from the central pollution monitoring agency showed that concentrations of Particulate Matter or PM 10 (coarser pollutants) was over 1,600 micrograms per cubic metre compared to a safe level of 100 at around 2 am in Delhi's Anand Vihar. PM 2.5, a standard measure of air quality, was as much as 14 times the safe limit.
The ministry said the air pollution problem has been made worse due to lower temperatures which typically trap pollution at lower levels, and the low wind speed. A higher wind speed could have helped disperse pollution out of Delhi.
Municipal bodies in and around Delhi will be required to strictly enforce a ban on the burning waste in open. They will also have to ensure that construction activity does not kick up dust. Road owning agencies will have to periodically spray water on roads to trap dust.
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Pollution in Delhi peaks during Diwali as a hazardous mix of noxious gases and pollutants hang very close to the surface. The Delhi High Court had described the capital as "gas chamber" last year.
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