shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > India News > Article > Air pollution dropped by 88 percent during lockdown turns severe again

Air pollution dropped by 88 percent during lockdown, turns severe again

Updated on: 06 June,2020 01:54 PM IST  |  New Delhi
IANS |

According to the findings, the national capital saw the steepest rise of four to eight times, as compared to two to six times in other cities

Air pollution dropped by 88 percent during lockdown, turns severe again

The Sanjay Gandhi Borivli National Park in Mumbai during the lockdown. Picture/Nimesh Dave

Even though the pollution levels in six major cities plummeted during the initial phase of the lockdown, it is on the rise again as the country gradually opens up, a recent study has revealed. According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), PM 2.5 levels across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru dropped by a phenomenal 45-88 per cent during the pandemic-induced lockdown period. The analysis, however, found that the "pollution registered a comeback" as the nation opened up pursuant to lockdown 4.0.


"In the six cities, there was a two-six times increase in PM 2.5 levels during lockdown 4.0," said the report. According to the findings, the national capital saw the steepest rise of four to eight times, as compared to two to six times in other cities. The initial decrease in pollution could be attributed to no industrial activity, reduced on-road traffic and temporary halt on construction activities. Sunita Narain, Director General of Centre for Science and Environment said that the analysis showed the nation needed an intervention at such a massive scale to make skies blue and our air and lungs clean.


"It tells us that there should be no question, therefore, on the key sources of air pollution in our country: emissions from vehicles and industry," she added. CSE also presented a charter of environmental demands to ensure a better, cleaner and more sustainable environment, life and air quality. It stated that reducing pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, switching to clean vehicles, using clean power and providing green economic stimulus were a few strategies which could help retain the healthy air.


Centre's executive director Anumita Roychowdhury said the nation must ensure that pollution levels do not go back to 'normal' - what they were before the lockdown.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK