Delhi: Air quality shifts to 'satisfactory' category after 3 months

Delhi: Among certain other things, clean air quality is newsworthy in Delhi. Delhiites enjoyed the cleanest air quality day on May 24, 2022, in the last 134 days. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall Air Quality Index was recorded at 89 in the “satisfactory” category. Thunderstorms followed by rain since early morning from May 23, 2022, have helped improve Delhi's air quality and provide relief from the heat to the residents.

The AQI was under the 'satisfactory' category 92 on February 27, 2022. 24 May 2022 was only the fourth 'satisfactory' clean air day of this year, according to CPCB data, with two such days in January and one in February.

Also read: Delhi Government's initiative to make India tobacco free

May 23, 2022, was recorded as the coldest May Day in the last 18 years in Delhi. Delhi and its environs experienced the lowest temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius, nine degrees below the season's normal. Delhi was drenched, with drizzles continuing throughout the day. On Monday night, the city was hit by heavy rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and cool breezes.

Kirti Tiwari, resident of Dwarka sector-5 says, “Monday was a great relief from the heat. I did not even mind being stuck in traffic because after a long time the air was cool and there were no harsh sun rays around me."

Although the residents are happy with the cool temperature, many are concerned about the onset of monsoons in their area.

Deepak Thakur, a resident of Dwarka sector-8 says, “I rolled out of bed at 5.45 a.m on Monday after hearing the sound of thunder and wind and seeing a thundershower. However, when I think about the monsoon and heavy rain, it would be a problem for all of us. Clogged drains, sewage overflow, traffic, and delayed metro service will hamper our routine, especially during working hours.”

Twinkle Sharma, a resident of Shahabad Mohammad Pur says, “I don’t like the rain because the condition in my area worsens. Waterlogged streets make it difficult to step out of the house. Unhygienic streets and dirty drain water coming in contact with my knees make me uncomfortable. Also, the delay in transport facilities and electricity cuts does not allow us to work properly. There are solutions to beat the heat but not for this rain."