City air improves, turns ‘moderate’

NEW DELHI: As wind speed picked up, the air quality in the national capital improved from ‘poor’ category on Saturday to ‘moderate’ category on Sunday. The air quality index (AQI) recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was 158 as compared to 219 on Saturday.

According to CPCB officials, a change in wind speed has helped disperse the pollutants and that air quality is expected to remain in the ‘moderate’ category for the next couple of days.

“According to input received from the Met department, the wind speed increased on Sunday, bringing down pollution levels. Strong winds are expected to stay for the next four-five days. Hence, air quality is likely to remain moderate,” a CPCB official said.

The PM10 levels were recorded at 151.7 units, less in comparison to Saturday when it had shot up to 238. Moreover, PM2.5 levels fell to 71.3 units from Saturday’s 96.9.

The wind speed on Sunday, recorded at 10 kmph, was enough to disperse pollutants. It had fallen to zero on Friday, causing concentration of pollutants.

“This time of the year, wind speed shifts from east to west. Stronger westerly winds have started coming,” said B P Yadav, deputy director general, Indian Meteorological Department.

“This is a time of transition from monsoon to winter. Hence, the wind speed will keep fluctuating throughout the month of October. Calm conditions allow accumulation of dust while stronger winds help clear the air,” D Saha, former head of the CPCB’S air quality lab, said.