Efforts by civic bodies helped better Delhi's air quality: Environment minister Imran Hussain

The air quality in the national Capital improved to 'moderate' on Monday after a week of high pollution levels caused by the dust storm in the western parts of the country. The Delhi government's environment minister Imran Hussain, in a review of ambient air quality on Monday, said the efforts by the various municipal corporations have helped improve the air quality index (AQI). Delhi's AQI on Monday stood at 171 units in the moderate category, which means the air is breathable now.

The AQI was between 441 and 447 from June 13 to June 15 in the 'severe' category, which improved to 369 units on June 16 to 'very poor' category. However, the AQI on June 17 was 289 units in the 'poor' category, which on Monday finally improved to 171, leading to moderate conditions, officials said.

The environment department in the review report said that anti-dust pollution measures such as the sprinkling of water on roads were carried out extensively while heavy penalties were imposed on violators.

"Civic agencies have also sealed under-construction buildings which were not complying with norms. Construction activities were also stopped at a number of sites. Unauthorized diesel generators found running was also seized during this operation," a statement issued by the minister's office stated.

While air pollution had reached alarming levels, all civic construction activities were stopped in the city till June 17.

Meanwhile, Hussain appealed to the public to do their bit to control air pollution by reporting instances of air pollution including garbage burning in the open and not taking dust control measures at construction sites on their helpline numbers.

DATE MISSED

• The national capital missed its date with rain and thundershowers that were predicted to lash the city on Monday morning. With this possibility gone, the coming week will remain hot and humid according to the weather department.
   
• The Indian Meteorological Department had predicted a spell of rain/ thundershowers accompanied with gusty winds at a speed of 50-60kmph in Delhi and its National Capital Region in the morning.