Due to the lockdown, nature has gone through massive changes. River waters have become clean, mountain ranges are visible, and some animals also took over the cities, because humans were no longer hogging the road. Another good thing that happened, was the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped drastically in many places around the country; and recently it dipped further, as it was recorded at 23.
Air Quality Index Dropped From 1,000 To 23
Last year, the AQI in Delhi NCR was recorded at 1,000. It reached alarming levels due to an increase in pollution, vehicular traffic and so many other factors. The pollution in the city was so bad, that even during Chhat Puja, devotees were photographed standing in frothy river to say their prayers. However, due to lockdown, and a halt on operations, the pollution levels have dropped drastically.
Also read: Indian Mountain Ranges That Were Clearly Visible During Lockdown
On July 13, 2020, Delhi’s Chanakya Puri area recorded an AQI of 23. Overall, the city’s AQI was recorded at 40, according to AQI India. Different parts of the city, have recorded different numbers, but there has been a drastic improvement, overall, in the index.
Air Pollution In North India Hit A 20-Year Low
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plotted the aerosol levels in North India in a series of maps. This was done during the same 6-day period of March 31 to April 5 from 2016 to 2020. Aerosols are tiny liquid and solid particles suspended in the air. It can reduce visibility and damage the human heart and lungs. Every year, aerosols from human-made sources add to unhealthy levels of air pollution in many regions. A Universities Space Research Association scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, Pawan Gupta stated: “We knew we would see changes in atmospheric composition in many places during the lockdown.”
Also read: Delhi Pollution Level Drops To Almost Zero
It was also the lowest in 20 years of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations. A decrease in particle pollution is also reported by ground observation stations in India. MODIS is an instrument which monitors large scale changes like what proportion of the earth’s surface is covered by clouds each day.
Yes, it might be difficult to stay indoors due to lockdown, but it does sound like a relief that the city has clean air to breathe!