City breathless as air quality levels hit rock bottom in Oct

Nagpur: In last one month, Nagpur saw the highest pollution on October 31, when the city’s air quality index was recorded at 225. Since almost a fortnight, the city has not seen even a single day when the air quality levels were good or satisfactory.According to the air quality index (AQI) data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), there were some days when the city’s air was more toxic than that of Mumbai. Nagpur’s air quality started deteriorating in mid-October following the dip in mercury levels. After recording an AQI of 187 on October 30, the city suddenly witnessed a spike in pollution, with the AQI level reaching 225. As per CPCB’s standards, this falls under the ‘poor’ category and can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.On October 2, the air quality again went poor, and Nagpur recorded an average AQI of 214. A day later, the index was 203 which was still poor.After wavering between 143 and 180, the index rose to 201 on Thursday. Of the four real-time air quality monitoring stations in the city, Mahal recorded the worst AQI at 226, with PM2.5 levels crossing the 300 mark.Stating that PM2.5 and PM10 are major threats to public health, founder of Green Vigil, Kaustav Chatterjee, said, “The main sources of these pollutants are the on-going construction activities, which include flyovers, cement roads, and multi-story complexes. Other sources of pollution are rampant garbage burning and thermal power plants.” Suggesting more mitigation measures, Chatterjee added, “Covering the construction sites with vertical PVC sheets and green nets, along with sprinkling water to suppress dust and particulate matter, is needed. The development of a green belt with pollution-absorbing trees can also help curb pollution.”Conservationist Jaydeep Das said that even as vehicular emissions are a concern, thermal power plants are the main source of pollution.

Muradpur AQI worst as air quality deteriorates in city

The city of Patna in India is experiencing extremely poor air quality, with the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded this winter at 265. Several monitoring stations across the city have reported high levels of pollution, with Muradpur having the highest AQI at 323. To combat the issue, the Patna Municipal Corporation has implemented strict measures to control construction activities and has deployed anti-smog guns and sprinkler machines. Additionally, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board has been organizing street plays to raise awareness about air pollution. The weather is expected to remain dry during Diwali with temperatures ranging from 18-20 degrees Celsius.

Marginal dip in air pollution levels in Delhi, AQI in 'very poor' category

Delhi's air quality has improved slightly, moving from 'severe' to 'very poor' after five days of severely polluted air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395 on Tuesday, showing a slight improvement from the previous day. However, the concentration of PM2.5 particles exceeded the safe limit by a substantial margin. The government has reinstated the odd-even scheme and suspended in-person classes in response to the worsening air quality. The city is expected to experience 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality for the next few days. Air pollution in Delhi is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes a day and can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

Delhi AQI: Centre issues strict pollution control measures for NCR as air quality worsens

The Indian government has directed Delhi-NCR to implement stricter measures to control air pollution. These measures include banning polluting trucks and commercial four-wheelers from entering the city, restricting construction activities, and prohibiting non-essential medium and heavy goods vehicles from plying within Delhi. Additionally, government and private sector employees have been advised to work from home, reducing the number of commuters and vehicles on the road. These measures aim to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality, particularly as winter approaches, when pollution levels typically worsen.

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