Air quality in Delhi improves due to meteorological factors: Green body

Noting that air quality in the national capital had improved due to meteorological factors and not by addressing the "source of pollution", a green body stressed the need for taking comprehensive action to contain such sources for sustained clean air days. Authorities had said that Delhi's air quality turned "good" on Saturday for the first time this year due to continuous rains that washed away the pollutants in the air.

Greenpeace India said instead of being euphoric about few improved air quality days, the Environment Ministry along with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should prioritise to immediate enforce the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by setting up time-bound emission targets. The ministry has prepared a draft NCAP with an objective to come up with a comprehensive plan for pre- vention, control and abatement of air pollution, and to augment the air quality monitoring network across the country. Various green groups have submitted their recommendations to the ministry on the draft.

"The 'so called' improvement in Delhi's air quality is governed by the meteorological factors, not by addressing the source of pollution. This much talk about improvement is a natural phenomena as rain washes out the dust particles leading to improved air quality," said Sunil Dahiya, senior campaigner Greenpeace India.

"This is momentary to have few clean air days. The fact is that air pollution is present all year around, irrespective of seasons. More comprehensive actions on sources of pollution are required for sustained clean air days," he said.

The Air Quality Index of New Delhi was recorded at 43 which falls under the "good" category.