In a post on X, Ramesh referenced the World Bank’s new report, A Breath of Change, which examines air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan foothills. Describing the report as “comprehensive, evidence-based, and unambiguous,” he said its timing was critical, given the deteriorating air quality across much of the country.
The study examined pollution trends in Delhi and its neighbouring areas during the early winter months spanning from October 1 to November 15.HEA
On Wednesday, the air quality readings for Delhi stood at 327, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 4 pm national bulletin with particulate matter, PM 2.5, and PM 10 as the lead polluting agents.
The 24-hour average Air Quality Index stood at 382, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, driven largely by high PM2.5 levels.
“Private offices are requested to widely communicate these protocols and ensure prompt, effective implementation in all subsidiary and branch locations,” the Environment Department said in a statement.
The concentration of PM 2.5, the most harmful and fine pollutant, soared to 312 micrograms per cubic metre at 7 a.m., while PM 10 levels touched 422 micrograms per cubic metre.
While, the top three were already known pollution hubs, Hyderabad's entry in the list raises concern as it is now most polluted mega city in the southern part of the country.
India is poised to incur the dubious distinction of surpassing China as the world’s most polluted country.
People in Delhi-NCR had another tough day as they went about their business breathing air that was categorised as ‘very unhealthy’, ‘unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’.
At one point on Thursday, AQI level in some parts of the national capital was at an alarming 999, the highest possible level in the index.
