Gurugram: Slight respite from smoggy conditions

Like Delhi, Gurugram has been reeling under heavy smog conditions ever since the culmination of Diwali on last Monday. But a week later, the Millennium City witnessed a brief respite with the smog clearing and visibility becoming better around noon.

There was, however, no improvement in levels of toxicity present in the city’s air. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the PM2.5 levels in the city ranged from 300-450 micrograms per cubic meters which is way above than the safe standards of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. Not only were there high levels of PM2.5 but other harmful concentrations like nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone were also observed at unsafe and unhealthy levels.

These concentrations, however, showed reduction during the evening time on Monday. However, the levels were much less than those recorded on Sunday. While on Sunday, the PM2.5 levels in the city ranged from 600-650 levels, on Monday it was from 400-450 levels.

The spike in the levels of toxicity in Gurugram’s air has resulted in most of its citizens complaining of respiratory related ailments. With Gurugram this time recording one of the worse air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the authorities now have swung into action.

Further, with children being the worse affected in such smoggy conditions, a lot of private schools in the city were also shut including Shri Ram School, Heritage School and Shiv Nadar School.

Most of the resident bodies are now taking initiatives in promoting awareness of the harmful effects of pollution and are prodding its residents to avail the usage of masks to protect themselves.