Gurgaon's air quality remained firmly in the 'very poor' category on Sunday. The city recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 378, continuing a troubling trend from January.
Monitoring Stations Show Widespread Pollution
Among the three active monitoring stations in the city, Sector 51 reported the most severe conditions. Its AQI reading reached 415, placing it close to the 'severe' category threshold.
Vikas Sadan followed with an AQI of 384, while Gwal Pahari recorded 339. All three stations showed readings well into the 'very poor' range, indicating widespread air quality issues across different parts of Gurgaon.
Particulate Matter Levels Exceed Safe Limits
The fine particulate matter PM2.5 levels presented an even grimmer picture. Sector 51 recorded 404 µg/m³ of PM2.5, far exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board's annual permissible limit of 60 µg/m³.
Vikas Sadan reported 362 µg/m³, and Gwal Pahari measured 334 µg/m³. These microscopic particles pose serious health risks as they can penetrate deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream.
PM10 levels also remained dangerously high. Sector 51 recorded 330 µg/m³, while Gwalpahari reported 378 µg/m³. The CPCB's safe limit for PM10 stands at 100 µg/m³ annually.
Officials Identify Key Pollution Sources
Haryana State Pollution Control Board officials pointed to several local factors contributing to the poor air quality. They identified vehicular emissions, road dust from constant traffic movement, ongoing construction activities, and waste burning as major concerns.
"We are notifying civic bodies to take steps to reduce pollution," said an HSPCB official. The board emphasized that local sources significantly impact the city's AQI throughout most of the year.
Weather Conditions Worsen the Situation
Meteorological conditions have played a crucial role in trapping pollutants. Low wind speeds and temperature inversion during winter months prevent proper dispersion of pollutants, keeping them concentrated near ground level.
The Delhi weather system forecast partly cloudy skies with mist at night. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 23°C and 25°C. Wind speeds may drop to around 5kmph during evening and night hours, further limiting pollutant dispersal.
Health Advisories Issued for Residents
Health authorities have issued specific recommendations for vulnerable groups. They advise children, elderly citizens, and individuals with existing respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activities.
Residents should avoid prolonged exposure during peak pollution hours. The 'very poor' AQI category indicates conditions that can cause respiratory discomfort with extended exposure.
AQI Classification and Forecast
According to CPCB guidelines, an AQI between 301 and 400 falls under the 'very poor' classification. The scale ranges from 0-50 (good) to 401-500 (severe), with moderate and poor categories in between.
The ventilation index, which measures how effectively pollutants disperse, is expected to remain below 6,000 m²/s over the coming days due to persistently low wind speeds.
Forecasts indicate air quality may enter the 'severe' category on Sunday before returning to 'very poor' from January 19 to 21. The outlook for the following six days suggests conditions will remain between 'very poor' and 'poor'.
Regional Context and Comparisons
Meanwhile, Delhi recorded even higher pollution levels. The capital's 4pm AQI reading stood at 440, slightly higher than Saturday's 8pm reading of 428. Both measurements placed Delhi in the 'severe' air quality category.
Gurgaon's January has seen consistently high pollution, with several days recording AQI values above 300. This indicates sustained pressure on air quality despite occasional weather variations.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of winter pollution in the National Capital Region, with multiple factors combining to create hazardous breathing conditions for residents.
