Hry reports 27 cases of farm fires, air cleaner

CHANDIGARH: Haryana on Saturday saw a significant improvement in the air quality with the area along the Chandigarh-Ambala-Sonipat national highway and central Haryana falling in the green category.

The state reported 27 crop residue burning (CRB) incidents during the day even as flying squad teams from the Centre were on prowl in Punjab and Haryana.

Even the NCR districts and cities recorded an AQI below 100, which is categorised as good to moderately poor air quality, suggested the data uploaded by the central pollution control board (CPCB). The only exception was Gurugram, which reported an AQI of 272 (poor).

Gurugram was followed by Faridabad with an AQI of 199, which is considered to be moderate. Charkhi Dadri, Karnal, Sonipat and Rohtak recorded below 100 AQI.

Along the Ambala-Sonipat road and the Ambala-Fatehabad road, almost all the places were shown in the green. Notably, Fatehabad reported the maximum 11 crop residue burning cases, followed by five in Sirsa and three each in Jind, Kaithal and Karnal districts.

Wind improves air quality in Noida and Gurgaon, AQI stands in 'very poor' zone

The air quality in Noida and Ghaziabad improved slightly on Monday as wind speed increased, but it still remained in the 'very poor' category. In Gurgaon, the air quality index (AQI) was 373, down from 402 on Sunday. Noida's AQI came down to 384 from 414, while Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 391, compared to 394 on Sunday. The Noida administration has appointed sector magistrates to ensure compliance with pollution control norms.

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

Delhi's air quality improved from 'severe' to 'very poor' after five days of severe pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 395 on Tuesday, surpassing the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter for PM2.5 particles. The government has reintroduced the odd-even car usage scheme and suspended in-person classes in schools. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented to address the air quality crisis, while a report from the University of Chicago shows that air pollution reduces life expectancy in Delhi by 12 years.

Wind helps improve AQI, but air still very poor

Gurgaon saw a slight improvement in its air quality as wind speed increased, resulting in better ventilation and dispersion of pollutants. However, the air quality index (AQI) remained very poor, with three out of four monitoring stations recording such levels. Experts emphasize the need for more significant actions to reduce emissions from industries and coal-based power plants, as well as local sources like transport and construction. The PM2.5 and PM10 levels also remained hazardous. Delhi, Faridabad, Noida, and Ghaziabad also experienced poor to severe AQI. Health experts advise residents to stay indoors and wear N95 masks during high pollution hours.

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