Delhi air quality ‘good’ thanks to increased rainfall

New Delhi: The authorities of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) on Friday (August 16) said that Delhi's air quality has been oscillating between good and satisfactory categories for the past one week, making it one of the most extended spells of clean air in the national capital in 2019.

The authorities have attributed increased rainfall with approaching western disturbance as the main reason behind the improvement in air quality.

According to the Centre-run SAFAR, the overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was 44 on Friday which falls in the good category, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the AQI was recorded in satisfactory category at 59.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered to be good, 51 and 100 as satisfactory, 101 and 200 as moderate, 201 and 300 as poor, 301 and 400 as very poor, and 401 and 500 as severe.

The level of PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 44, and the PM10 level was recorded at 21 on Friday, SAFAR said.

The AQI was recorded at 69 on Tuesday, 63 on Wednesday and 75 on Thursday.

Officials said it is the most extended spell of clean air experienced by Delhiites this year.

The air quality is predicted to be in the good category for the next three days, according to SAFAR.

"Overall air quality of Delhi is in the 'good' category. Widespread rain helped to the sudden improvement of the air quality. Increased rainfall activity is likely in association with approaching western disturbance, and monsoon low, fairly extensive to widespread rainfall and isolated heavy rainfalls are expecting over the weekend," it added.

According to the CPCB, PM2.5 levels in the national capital dropped by 7.3% in 2018 when compared to 2017 and by 14.8% over 2016.

Similarly reduction in PM10 levels in 2018 is 8.6% over 2017 and 16.5% over 2016.

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