Rainfall lowers pollution levels in Gurgaon

Rainfall and thunderstorms in the city have washed away particulate matter.

With the arrival of the monsoon, there has been a significant improvement in the air quality of Gurgaon. The PM 2.5 level fell to 67 g/m3 on Monday afternoon from 85g/m3 recorded a month ago, on June 18.

According to Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) figures, rainfall and thunderstorms in the city have washed away particulate matter.

“Generally, the air quality improves during the monsoon. When there is continuous rain and thunderstorm, the harmful gases settle down giving the residents fresh air to breathe,” said Bhupinder Singh, regional officer of HSPCB.

Officials said the pollution levels of the city have been satisfactory — between 51 to 100 — since the last one week. The major pollution in the city is caused by vehicles, pollution board officials said.

“The levels have come down considerably. The present levels will only cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people,” Singh said.

Additionally, the experts at Centre for Science and Environment said the improvement is seasonal and giving up private vehicles is the only way to permanently improve air quality.

“Monitoring the air quality index is complex as a lot of factors, including topography, play a crucial role. In Gurgaon, as the major pollution is vehicular, public transport needs to be upgraded. We can only see changes if people stop using private transport for short distances,” a CSE official said.

“People suffering from lung diseases can breathe easy now. The sky is clearer and the recent showers are providing much needed relief from pollution,” said Ramesh Dhankhar, chief medical officer, Civil Hospital.