Gurugram gasps even as experts see a silver lining in falling PM

Gurugram saw a sharp decline in the air quality index (AQI) on Friday with PM 2.5 being recorded at 731 micrograms per cubic meter at 4 pm, according to SAFAR, the Government of India's air quality information service, An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'.

According to air quality experts, pollutants, assimilated into the lower layer of the atmosphere due to cloudy weather conditions and low wind pressure have worsened the situation. 

Explaining the condition, Sachin Panwar, an independent air quality expert, said, “The entire Delhi-NCR has witnessed a steep rise in burning of biomass, plastic burning in crusher, hot mix etc. Also, local pollutants are accumulated due to the weather conditions which are contributing to the severe level of air quality.”

The experts say that the situation should get better in 48 hours only if it rains or strong winds dissipate clouds along with the pollutants.

Meanwhile, due to the drastic decline in air quality, many more people are have come up with complains of eye irritation, skin and throat infection, wheezing, coughing and other respiratory illness.

Mahesh Kumar, a resident of Palam Vihar, said, "Our daily lives have been affected by the pollution as never before. I have stopped taking the morning walk due to an increase in pollution level in the city. If the situation remains the same, we have no option but to move from here."

Savneet Kaur, a resident of Vatika Seven Lamps, lamented that the pollution has forced his family to stay indoors. If ever they have to go out, they won't forget to put on a mask. Children are reluctant to put on the mask every time they have to step out. Their studies are hampered due to closure of schools and all the outdoor activities have come to an abrupt halt.” 

Earlier, EPCAon Wednesday ordered the closure of all the schools in Delhi-NCR till November 15 in the wake of increased air pollution.