City turns a bowl of dust, shows AQI; Courtesy: Potholes & patchy repairs
It increased to 75 on July 16 and was 100 on July 19, as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
The flying of dust from damaged roads due to the monsoon was the main reason for the city turning into a dust bowl after reduced rainfall activity. The AQI of the city was rated in the good category a week ago. Air quality came down to close to the moderate category on Saturday.
The AQI of Idgah Hills was 108, TT Nagar 100, and AQI in Paryavaran Parisar was 92 on Saturday morning, as per the CPCB.
A week ago, the AQI was around 40 in the three areas of the city.
Officials said, apart from the damaged roads, flying dust from vehicles and an increase in construction activities after showers lead to an increase in pollution levels. Showers may add to traffic woes, suspend power supply, and lead to water logging issues, but when it comes to air quality, it is the best time of the year.
Showers do wonders for air quality.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The reason why air pollution comes down during rains, experts pointed out, is that dust gets heavy in showers and does not fly in the air. Vehicular pollution also decreases as tyres do not lead to the flying of pollutants and dust in the air, as it settles down on the ground. This is the reason why pollution levels come down during rains.
Experts said air quality is measured by taking into account the levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), RSPM10, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. Of the four, officials said, PM2.5 is the most harmful to health and causes severe lung diseases. PM10 is due to dust and construction, including the building of roads, while PM2.5 is due to dust, human activity, and climatic conditions.
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