Rain clears smog in Delhi, yet air quality still ‘very poor’

A rainy spell early on Sunday brought better air to residents of New Delhi, giving them a brief respite from thick grey smog that has shrouded the Indian capital for the last two months, although air quality continued to be “very poor”.

A measure of tiny, hazardous breathable particles known as PM 2.5 reached an average of 182 by 12pm, the Central Pollution Control Board said, its lowest since November 4.

But pollution was still five times more than a US government recommended level of 35 to stand at “unhealthy” levels, according to the US embassy. “Change in weather conditions by rain or higher wind speed helps dissipate peak pollution, but we continue to need strong emergency actions such as shutting power plants,” said Anumita Roychowdhury of the Centre for Science and Environment think-tank.

The federal government air quality index rated Delhi’s air quality “very poor” on Sunday and had a similar forecast for Monday, urging people with respiratory and cardiac problems to avoid polluted areas and limit outdoor movement. —