DPCC claims air cleaner this yr

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee credited government action on Saturday for improving air quality during the first week of November compared to last year, even as the capital's hourly AQI reached 380 in the evening — the season's worst reading.

- Aheli Das

According to Central Pollution Control Board data cited by DPCC chairman Sandeep Kumar, the capital's AQI was 322 on November 7 this year compared to 377 on the same day last year. Similar year-on-year improvements were recorded on five other days: 3Il versus 352. on November 6, 202 versus 373 on November 5, 291 versus 381 on November 4, 309 versus 382 on November 3, and 303 versus 339 ‘on November 1. Only November 2 showed worse conditions this year, with an AQI of 366 against 316 last year.

“Out of the first seven days of November, six have recorded better AQI this year. This has been possible due to the suggestions and instructions we have given to various government departments and their timely implementation,” said DPCC chairman Sandeep Kumar.

However, the improvement coincides with stubble burning contributing far less to Delhi’s pollution this year, according to the government's own data.