Parts of northern India, including Punjab and Delhi-NCR, have been reeling under a heavy blanket of dust which has settled over the area.
Parts of northern India, including Punjab and Delhi-NCR, have been reeling under a heavy blanket of dust which has settled over the area. The dust cover, caused by dust storms in the western state of Rajasthan, prompted the government to halt all construction work in the national capital till Sunday. Delhi air quality, which was already in the ‘very poor’ category due to annually occurring factors such as crop burning, firecracker smoke and vehicular pollution, became even worse with this influx of dust.
The dusty conditions have been active since Wednesday, and the government has advised people to remain indoors. The dust cover has affected visibility as well, affecting flight operations. All flights to and from the Chandigarh airport were cancelled till Thursday afternoon due to reduced visibility. The Indian Meteorological Office (IMD), meanwhile has said that a slight chance of rain on Sunday is the only relief Delhi can hope for in the coming days. The Met office also said that the weather is expected to be slightly better on Friday with a slowing of wind speed.
On Thursday, the air quality in Delhi and its adjoining area was labelled very poor to severe, with the national capital touching the 431 mark. Greater Noida was the worst at the 500 mark. Particulate matter levels were also critical, with PM10 at 1,263 and PM2.5 at 265 on Thursday. The Delhi government has asked the MCDs to ensure that pollution controlling measures be put into effect. Delhi L-G Anil Baijal has directed all MCDs and PWDs to boost mechanical road sweeping, in addition to sprinkling of water on road sides, stopping the use of brooms so as to curb the rise of dust, among others.
The dusty conditions have been active since Wednesday, and the government has advised people to remain indoors. The dust cover has affected visibility as well, affecting flight operations. All flights to and from the Chandigarh airport were cancelled till Thursday afternoon due to reduced visibility. The Indian Meteorological Office (IMD), meanwhile has said that a slight chance of rain on Sunday is the only relief Delhi can hope for in the coming days. The Met office also said that the weather is expected to be slightly better on Friday with a slowing of wind speed.
On Thursday, the air quality in Delhi and its adjoining area was labelled very poor to severe, with the national capital touching the 431 mark. Greater Noida was the worst at the 500 mark. Particulate matter levels were also critical, with PM10 at 1,263 and PM2.5 at 265 on Thursday. The Delhi government has asked the MCDs to ensure that pollution controlling measures be put into effect. Delhi L-G Anil Baijal has directed all MCDs and PWDs to boost mechanical road sweeping, in addition to sprinkling of water on road sides, stopping the use of brooms so as to curb the rise of dust, among others.