Smoggy skies in Haryana, air quality dips again

Bijendra Ahlawat 

Tribune News Service 

Faridabad, November 12

After some relief for a couple of days, the air quality level in the city and other parts of the state turned hazardous again today.

The level of PM 2.5 — tiny particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter that can enter deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream — was recorded at 404 at 9.30 am today and it remained over 400 throughout the day. This air quality is described as severe or hazardous by the pollution control department, as it can prove very harmful to human beings, especially those who suffer from respiratory disorders. 

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The air quality index of above 400 level was last noticed on November 3, when it had touched 467. On Diwali (October 27), the AQI was 500. Though it scaled down a bit for a few days, it went over 400 between November 1 and 3. The GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) to combat pollution was introduced from October 26 till November 11. The Central Pollution Control Board has now extended it till November 14 in the National Capital Region. The air quality had improved slightly in the state for a week between November 4 and 11, when the AQI remained between 200 and 372. However, the sky remained smoggy throughout today, suggesting that the poor air quality could persist for several days. Besides Faridabad, the AQI was over 400 in Gurugram, Panipat, Jind, Hisar and Manesar as well. 

Claiming that it could be due to farm fires, poor movement of wind and lack of precipitation, an official of the Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) said a close watch was being kept on the activities affecting the air quality.

“All industrial units using fuel other than PNG as well as brick kilns and stone-crushing units have been closed as part of the GRAP measures,’’ said JB Sharma, Regional Officer, HPCB. 

The Municipal Corporation, meanwhile, has launched a helpliine (WhatsApp ) 9599780982 for reporting violations.