NEW DELHI: The annual average concentration of PM2.5 (particulate matter having a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), a key pollutant responsible for Delhi's annual pollution cycle, clocked a five-year high till December 25, according to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Until December 25 this year, Delhi recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 104.08 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3)—over two-and-a-half times the safe limit of 40µg/m3—which was the worst since Delhi clocked an average of 105.57µg/m3 in 2019.
Further, the data suggested that Delhi is on course to record its most polluted year in terms of annual PM2.5 concentration since 2021, when the annual average PM2.5 concentration (till December 31) was 104.95µg/m3. Delhi's annual PM2.5 average last year was 100.21µg/m3 and it was 98µg/m3 in 2022.
Experts said the lack of active western disturbances, coupled with a possible increase in local pollution, could be the cause for higher pollution levels this year.
Esta historia es de la edición December 31, 2024 de Hindustan Times Uttarakhand.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 31, 2024 de Hindustan Times Uttarakhand.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Merchandise exports drop 11% in February
India's merchandise exports in February fell by about 11% to $36.91 billion compared to $41.41 billion in the same month last year, but the services sector and non-petroleum merchandise saved the overall (goods and services combined) monthly exports from sinking into the red with 3.2% year-on-year growth at $71.95 billion this month.
Railways no longer hampered by Covid-19 troubles: Minister
Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said that the Indian Railways has overcome the financial troubles due to the Covid pandemic with passengers returning to train travel.
Minorities' persecution in B'desh concern for US: Gabbard
The persecution and killing of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is a concern for the Trump administration in the US, which is determined to tackle Islamist terrorism around the globe, US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard said on Monday.
Delhi HC orders gender parity in KIPG badminton
The Delhi high court has directed the union sports ministry to maintain gender parity between male and female athletes in sports events organised by National Sports Federations (NSFs), expressing displeasure over the Badminton Association of India (BAI) allocating fewer slots for females in the 2nd Khelo India Para Games.
BJP MP seeks govt intervention to bring Nasrin back to Kolkata
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Samik Bhattacharya on Monday urged the government to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi novelist Taslima Nasrin to Kolkata, which was her home for many years before she was forcefully expelled.
Preparing for summer heat
Governments should be ready with action plans to manage power and water needs
MCD Rejects Proposal to Double Parking Fees
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) house of councillors on Monday rejected a proposal to hike parking fees at parking lots across the Capital which are operated by the civic body, with representatives of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stating that the decision was taken \"to protect commuters\" from an \"unnecessary increase\".
Punjab and the spectre of political radicalism
The grenade attack on a temple in Amritsar Saturday is only the latest in a series of disturbing incidents that suggest attempts by vested interests to upset the tenuous social peace in Punjab after its bruising tryst with terrorism in the 1980s and 1990s.
New Delhi Plays Key Role in Indo-Pacific: Luxon
India plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific since its geo-strategic importance is crucial in an increasingly multipolar world, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Monday as he endorsed New Delhi's claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Russia Demands 'Ironclad' Guarantees in Ukraine Deal
Russia will seek \"ironclad\" guarantees in any peace deal on Ukraine that NATO nations will exclude Kyiv from membership and that Ukraine will remain neutral, a Russian deputy foreign minister said in remarks published on Monday.
