Delhi: Comparative study reveals dip in NO2 levels

The data released by Delhi Environment Minister, Imran Hussain, on Thursday revealed that the average concentration of Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) this year has plummeted as compared to the levels of previous year's Diwali.

This year, the quantity ranged from 29 µg/m3 to 83 µg/m3 while in the previous year, it varied from 43 µg/m3 to 173.0 µg/m3.

The minister also reviewed the ambient air quality of the national capital.

The government stressed that mass awareness campaign was also carried out through various media platforms appealing students and citizens to shun crackers.

As Delhi has witnessed at least one episode of severe condition due to the impact of the trans-state movement of pollutants especially of agricultural burning, all the steps recommended in Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were enforced. Joint teams formed for inspection purpose are in the field.

Efforts made by the Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and children to restrain themselves from the bursting of firecrackers were also appreciated.

It was observed that the positive outcome of the Anti Fire Crackers Campaign was that School children are increasingly becoming aware of the need to celebrate Diwali with Diyas and saying no to firecrackers.

The average concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO) also took a dip. This year it ranged from 0.8 mg/m3 to 4.0 mg/m3 while last year it ranged from 3.0 mg/m3 to 3.7 mg/m3.