Delhi's Air quality now 'satisfactory': Environment department

The air quality of the national Capital has been improving since the past week when dust storm had induced hazy conditions making the air unbreathable. Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Wednesday reviewed the air quality index (AQI) --- showing the levels of pollutants in the air --- stating that it was 'satisfactory'.

"Ambient air quality index in the national Capital is showing continuous improvement," Hussain was told by officials of the environment department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

The minister noted that the AQI of Delhi stood at 157 at 2 pm on Wednesday with PM10 levels of 203.3 µg/m3and PM2.5 levels at 68.8 µg/m3 as per data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The data shows 'moderate' air quality.

Hussain also reviewed the working of landfill sites. Secretary (Environment) informed the minister that effort is on promoting installation and enhancement of capacities of waste-to-energy plants, composting of the biotic waste and proper management and disposal of construction and demolition waste, among others, officials said.

Also, he directed that plantation activity by the various concerned agencies should also be undertaken in a big way especially during the forthcoming monsoon season.

The department plans to review the development of 'city forests' in the Capital. He said that besides plantation, various facilities such as jogging track, eco-huts, medicinal gardens, butterflies park, insect houses, etc. are being provided in these forests so that local residents, senior citizens and children could use them for their recreational purposes and health benefits. While air pollution had reached alarming levels, all civic construction activities were stopped in the city till June 17.