Odd-Even: Delhi pollution Remain ‘Unaffected’ On First Day
01 January, New Delhi
Pollution level is still at a “very unhealthy” level even as the ambitious odd-even formula to restrict number of vehicles on Delhi roads in order to control vehicular emissions, took off in the national capital.
The severe concentration of pollutants in the city’s air persisted as the car-rationing scheme came into force, according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Environmental experts cited as it would take a few days to show up in metres.Though Anand Vihar recorded lower pollution during noon, but the peak hour time data shows an ‘increase’ in pollution level by evening.
Around 1730 hours, PM 10 levels were at 475 microgram/m3, which was slightly higher than yesterday’s PM10 of 395 during the same time.In R K Puram area, the peak time pollution level went up today as compared to previous day.
According to the DPCC meter at R K Puram, around 1730 hours, the PM 2.5 (particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 microns) levels stood at 330 units as against the desired normal of 60 units. It was at 100 units on December 31 by the same time. While PM 10 stood at 489 units compared to the previous day of 213 units.
At Mandir Marg area, the increase in peak time pollution level was not high over the previous day. The PM 10 and PM 2.5 recorded around 1730 hours recorded 147 and 34 units respectively. On December 31, at the same time, the PM 10 and PM 2.5 stood at 134 and 58 units respectively.
In Punjabi Bagh area, there was a slight increase in the pollution level over the previous day during the peak time, around 1730 hours. The PM 2.5 levels recorded 110, which stood at 90 units on December 21. While PM 10 stood at 211 units compared to the previous day of 177 units.When PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels reach between 351 and 420, and 211 to 252 micro gram per cubic metre, it signifies very poor quality while severe is declared when PM 2.5 and PM 10 cross 253, 421 micro gram per cubic metres respectively.
Real-time readings of PM 2.5, the smallest and most damaging of all the particulate matters, crossed the safe limits several times in areas across the national capital.