Significant gain in air quality, Delhiites hope for clean Diwali

Wind speed and control measures help improvement

New Delhi: Delhiites breathed easy on Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government. 

The overall air quality index (AQI) at 4 pm Sunday was recorded at 171, which falls in the 'moderate' category. In the morning it was 231, which falls in the 'poor' category, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data said.

 The improvement in air quality can be attributed to the increase in surface wind speed to five kmph. This flushed out pollutants, an official of the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said. 

The reduction in base emission is also suggestive of more pronounced effect of control measures taken by authorities, the official said. 
On Friday, the AQI was 370, which came down to 336 on Saturday, according to the CPCB. 

It has been found that PM 2.5 emission reduced "from 432 ton per day to 370 ton per day to reproduce the observed level with realistic met parameters, a decline in base emission by 14 per cent in Delhi and nearby domain", the official said. 

PM 2.5 are particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. The SAFAR also said there is a large possibility of increase in moisture from Monday evening, which might lead to increase in the pollution level. 

"The AQI is predicted to be in the lower range of ‘very poor’ Monday as the atmosphere is relatively clean," the official said.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said fire counts in the northwest region of India were significantly less on Saturday as compared to Thursday but warned of sharp increase in PM2.5 concentration from Monday. 

"If significant stubble burning continues on Sunday and Monday in the NW (northwest) region of India then its impact is very likely over Delhi and AQI may reach the upper end of the very poor category. The northwest wind direction may bring influence of biomass fire on Tuesday and Wednesday," the IITM said.

Delhiites welcomed the improvement in the air quality which has been severe for the last three weeks. "I have sent my children to play outside after weeks. I hope the air quality finally improves and we see a clean Diwali," said Sarita Mathur, a Mayur Vihar resident. 

Another resident, Ritu Kumar, said she has gone on a walk for the first time this month due to improved air quality.

 D Saha, former additional director and head of air quality management division at the CPCB, said, "No drastic change in pollution level is anticipated as the ground-level emissions are under control due to various administrative and regulatory measures, we are likely to have clean Diwali."