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.
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Haryana.
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This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Haryana.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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