Over 90 cities including the city of Delhi have recorded minimal air pollution in the last few days.
According to the centre run system of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) there has been drop in PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Pollutant) by 30 percent in Delhi and 15 percent in Ahmedabad and Pune.
The levels of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) also reduced in Mumbai and Ahmedabad by 43 and 50 percent respectively.
Gufran Beig, Scientist at SAFAR quoted, “Local factors like shutting down of industries, and reduction in construction have helped improve air quality. “
CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) that also keeps tab on the air quality reported air quality at national capital to be ‘good’. 92 others cities with CPCB monitoring were also found to have good improvement.
Environmentalists said that the govt should consider this as a wake-up call.
One of the reputed environmentalist quoted for a media, “While slowing down the economy is not the ideal way to improve the air quality, it at least proves that good outcomes can be attained.”