GURUGRAM: The level of PM2.5 in the city dropped by nearly 36% on Thursday as compared to Wednesday but despite the fall in the pollution level, Gurgaon continued to be more polluted than Delhi and Noida.
While the highest level of PM2.5 was recorded at 109 micrograms per cubic metre on Thursday as compared to 173 micrograms per cubic metre on Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) improved to 212 (poor) on Thursday as compared to 294 on Wednesday.
However, Gurgaon on Thursday remained more polluted than Delhi and Noida. The air quality in Delhi and Noida improved to the 'moderate' level on Thursday from 'very poor' on Wednesday. The AQI in Delhi was recorded at 194, while it was 143 in Noida on Thursday.
Officials of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), on the other hand, said they were continuing with the graded response action plan (GRAP) measures "as the smoggy conditions are expected to be back after a week". "We have urged the civic authorities to continue sprinkling of water on roads to control dust pollution. Also, we will continue with the inspection of construction sites. Even though PM2.5 levels have improved on Thursday than the previous two days, we will continue to implement the GRAP as per 'very poor' level," said an official of HSPCB.
According to Met department, air pollution might come down further on Friday and Saturday, but smoggy conditions can make a come back Wednesday onwards. "Western disturbances might lead to light rain in Delhi and NCR next week, which is expected to make the situation better," said a Met official.
HSPCB has submitted an action plan to Environment Pollution Control Authority on Wednesday for implementation of measures to combat air pollution.
Meanwhile, a 20-feet high inflatable lung replica was installed in the front ground of Artemis hospital on Thursday to launch an awareness campaign 'Gurugram Against Pollution'. Dr Himanshu Garg, head of department, respiratory and critical care, Artemis Hospital, said, "It is time that we not only relying on government to take action against severe levels of pollution but we, as a community, also take initiative to create awareness and also find solutions to minimise the risk of deadly smog affecting us. The campaign, Gurugram Against Pollution, is one such step to engage more people and inspire them to do their bit in creating an ambient air friendly environment."
