Delhi Air Quality Better Due To Meteorological Factors, Says Green Group

Noting that air quality in the national capital has improved due to meteorological factors and not by addressing the "source of pollution", an environment conservation non-profit group has stressed the need for taking comprehensive action to contain polluting sources for sustained clean air days.

The authorities had said Delhi's air quality turned "good" on Saturday for the first time this year due to continuous rain that washed away pollutants in the air.

Greenpeace India said instead of being euphoric about few improved air quality days, the Environment Ministry along with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should prioritise to immediately enforce the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by setting up time-bound emission targets.

The ministry has prepared a draft NCAP with an objective to come up with a comprehensive plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution, and to augment the air quality monitoring network across the country.

Environment activists have submitted their recommendations to the ministry on the draft.

"The so called improvement in Delhi's air quality is governed by the meteorological factors, not by addressing the source of pollution. This much talk about improvement is a natural phenomena as rain washes out the dust particles leading to improved air quality," said Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner Greenpeace India.

"This is momentary to have few clean air days. The fact is that air pollution is present all year around, irrespective of seasons. More comprehensive actions on sources of pollution are required for sustained clean air days," he said.

The Air Quality Index of New Delhi was recorded at 43, which falls under the "good" category. An AQI in the range of 0-50 is considered "Good", 51-100 "Satisfactory", 101-200 "Moderate", 201-300 "Poor", 301-400 "Very Poor" and 401-500 "Severe".

The PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10 mm) was recorded as "good" at 39 in Delhi-NCR and 32 in Delhi. The PM2.5 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 2.5 mm) was 39 in Delhi-NCR and 21 in Delhi, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.

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