COVID-19 flattens peak-hour pollution

31 March 2020

Introduction:
As vehicles go off the road after the country-wide lockdown in the wake of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the typical two humps of daily pollution coinciding with morning and evening traffic peak-hours have nearly flattened out in India’s big cities.

Facts:

• A new analysis by Centre for Science and Environment said morning and evening peaks in PM 2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) have flattened out.
• The reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations is even more pronounced because the major source of NO2 emissions are vehicles and industries.
• The big metropolitans like Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderbad had clear reduction of pollution level according to Centre For Science and Environment.
• The pollution level in peak hour has gone down by 60% in many cities.

About Delhi:

• The Delhi Air Quality Index turned to Good from Hazardous.
• PM 2.5% level dropped down by 57%.
• Nitrogen Dioxide levels dropped down by 64%.
• According to SAFAR, vehicles contribute to 40% of total particulate matter pollution in Delhi.

Data from CPCB:
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, around 92 cities in the country recorded pollution levels coming down from ‘’satisfactory’’to ‘’good.’’