AQI Rain brings index under control

 

 

With the city witnessing constant downpour for the past few days, the air quality index (AQI) level has been reduced to considerate levels. As per the figures released by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday, the city witnessed an AQI level of 49 categorised under good category. With AQI being reported at low levels, citizens of the city are now breathing in fresh air resulting in trace health hazards for them. As revealed by CPCB in the air bulletin, the air quality levels in the city are near 50 with mostly coming under good and satisfactory levels.

 

“From the past few days, the city AQI level has been measured below or near 50. Rain has a significant contribution to the same.” Brajesh Sharma, Regional Officer, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB), told ‘The Hitavada’. As per the experts, rain forces down the most common air pollutants, like particulate matter and pollen down. Thereby, the quality of air becomes drastically better. This phenomenon is called wet deposition. Significantly, as per the figures provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the city has witnessed 1341.4 mm rainfall since June 1 of the year. Notably, the air quality of any place can be measured at six levels. AQI is measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. There are six AQI categories, namely Good (0 to 50), Satisfactory (51 to 100), Moderately polluted (101-200), Poor (201 to 300), Very Poor (301 to 400) and Severe (401 to 500).