Delhi records 128 clean air days in first half of 2024: Report

According to a report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the national capital experienced 128 days of clean air in the first half of 2024.

The report highlighted that Delhi saw 128 ‘good days’—a combination of good, satisfactory, and moderate air quality days—between January and July 2024. An additional 20 ‘good days’ were recorded from August 1 to August 20.

The report also noted an improvement in air quality, with ‘good days’ increasing from 159 in 2018 to 206 in 2023. An air quality index (AQI) between 0 and 50 is categorised as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and 401 to 500 as “severe.”

Sources of air pollution include vehicular and industrial emissions, open burning, and other combustion processes. The report detailed several measures taken by the Delhi government to curb pollution. This includes the formation of 385 enforcement teams by the Transport Department and Traffic Police to address vehicular pollution. Between January 1 and July 15, 2024, these teams impounded 308 vehicles that exceeded age limits.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce 3,267 electric buses this fiscal year. Under its electric vehicle (EV) policy, by July 15, 2024, over 3 lakh EVs were registered, representing 14.53% of total vehicle registrations.

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To prevent open burning of biomass, 338 patrolling teams were deployed from October 2023 to July 15, 2024. They conducted over 65,000 inspections, issued 550 challans, and levied fines totalling Rs 6.85 lakh. (With inputs from PTI)