New Delhi Dec 16 (FN Bureau) The air quality in Delhi and NCR slightly improved but continued to remain in the “very poor” category on Thursday, as the Air quality Index (AQI) stood at 340, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The air quality was also in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday as well, with an AQI of 354. “The air quality over Delhi-NCT is likely to improve and remain in the lower end of the very poor to poor category on December 16 and poor category on the next two days,” IMD said in its morning bulletin.
The concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 stood at 157 in the ‘very poor’ and 273 in the ‘poor’ category respectively around 10 am, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). According to data of Central Pollution Control Board, the neighbouring parts of Delhi, also recorded their air quality in the ‘poor to very poor’ category with Faridabad at 321, Ghaziabad at 345, Gurugram at 315 and Noida sector 62, at 315. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’. Meanwhile, the Delhi government had decided that the entry of non-essentials trucks will remain banned in Delhi till further orders. According to IMD, the minimum temperature on Thursday is likely to settle at around 9 degree Celsius and the maximum could be 22 degree Celsius.
Expressing satisfaction over the measures taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management to reduce pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked CAQM to seek suggestions from the civil society and experts to reach a permanent solution. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana also comprising Justices Dr D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant heard the plea. The court directed the Central panel to invite suggestion from the public and experts on how to combat pollution. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union of India, read out an affidavit regarding the anti-pollution steps taken. The Bench expressed happiness over the steps taken by the Commission to control pollution in and around the national capital. Former Additional Solicitor General Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioner Aditya Dubey, a 17-year-old student, told the court that he had some suggestions. CJI Ramana said an affidavit had been received from CAQM regarding construction activities and a decision would be taken by Friday. The apex court posted the matter for further hearing till February first week.