National capital's air quality improves a notch

Air pollution in the national capital region improved a notch on Wednesday, with a 60 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide poisonous gas.

New Delhi, April 8 Air pollution in the national capital region improved a notch on Wednesday, with a 60 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide poisonous gas.

The overall air quality index (AQI) of the city stood at 88 and stood in the "satisfactory" category again, as compared to 106 yesterday.

"Under the influence of approaching western disturbance, rainfall is expected today and tomorrow. Isolated thunderstorms can lead to local dust uplift for a shorter time," stated an advisory issued by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

It also suggested that the overall AQI is likely to improve. The "satisfactory" category is forecasted on April 9 and 10. "The forecast considers an estimated reduction in local emissions due to lockdown."

The quality of air was in the "good" category last week, but spiked on March 6 after people burst crackers to "challenge the darkness" as a sign of participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for switching off lights and lighting diyas and lamps to fight against the coronavirus crisis.

Meanwhile, AQI in Pune, Ahmedabad and Mumbai was docked in the "satisfactory" category at 58, 99 and 93, respectively.

Improvement in air quality across the country can be attributed to the low vehicular traffic and emission from industries due to country-wide lockdown.

( With inputs from IANS )