Gurugram: Dip in mercury & low wind speed may spike pollution

GURUGRAM: The city’s air quality improved on Wednesday to the “poor” category from “very poor” on Tuesday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded the index at 211 on Wednesday, which was at 324 on Tuesday. Monday’s AQI was recorded at 162 (moderate). The city is likely to witness a spike in the index owing to drop in minimum temperature and low wind speed, according to a Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) official.
“We have been monitoring the air quality 24 hours. Our officials are closely working to mitigate air pollutants. The MCG is sprinkling water at various places. We will again ban construction activities if the air quality enters ‘severe’ zone,” said Shakti Singh, regional officer, HSPCB.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the situation is not likely to improve in the next few days. The hills are witnessing snowfall, and as a result the region is expected to see cold wave which will prevent pollutants from getting dispersed in the lower strata of the atmosphere. The minimum temperature was 6°C while the maximum temperature was recorded at 16°C. An IMD official said that the minimum temperature is likely to hover between 4 and 6°C.
Even as the AQI levels are not in the ‘severe’ category now, the health department has maintained that the situation is still not normal and people should take all precautions while stepping out. “The pollutants in the atmosphere can still harm human beings. Around 80% patients are suffering from cold, flu and breathing difficulties,” said JS Puniya, chief medical officer, Gurugram.
Doctors also pointed out that the drop in temperature can cause cardiac problems. “We have seen a 30-40% rise in cardiac cases in last 15 days. Avoid going out in the mornings. Also, avoid windy cold air. The cardiac problems these days are very common. Patients should take proper care of themselves and monitor blood pressure,” said Dr Amit Gupta, internal medicine and cardiology specialist, Columbia Asia Hospital.