Delhi-NCR breathing cleaner air this year than in 2016 & 17

NEW DELHI: The air quality in the National Capital Region has improved in 2018 compared with the last two years, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said on Monday.An improvement in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations has been recorded this year except for two high pollution periods — in January and June.The CPCB’s air quality index assessment during 2016-18 also suggests that the number of “satisfactory” air quality days has gone up, while there have been fewer “very poor” days this year.Proper implementation of the graded response action plan, ban on pet coke and closure of the Badarpur power plant in winter may have led to the reduction in air pollution, CPCB officials claimed.To sustain this improvement, CPCB plans to start action on tackling winter pollutants from September 15. Forty teams of CPCB officials will fan out across the city and report on emission sources to the Delhi government and central agencies.