As we’ve already established, the lockdown and the reduction in the flow of vehicles have had a positive impact on the environment. A new analysis posted by the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) revealed that pollution levels during the lockdown period in Mumbai and Pune (March 24 - April 25) were cut down by three quarters as compared to the period between February 20 and March 20.
The AQI (air quality index) for Mumbai was rated at 37 which is rated under the “good” category, while Pune had an AQI of 47 (good). The regions also saw a significant reduction in NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) levels for Pune (70 per cent) and Mumbai (69 per cent).
The two cities also saw a reduction in the PM2.5 levels with Ahmedabad reporting the most decline at 51%, while Mumbai and Pune saw a reduction by 49 per cent and 39 per cent respectively.
Also read - Parts Of Mumbai And Pune Are No Longer Pollution Hotspots
NO2 or other oxides of nitrogen can lead to chemical deposition in the lungs, leading to inflammation of the lung tissue. Prolonged exposure weakens the lungs leading to serious ailments.
Gufran Beig, Director at SAFAR, said - “Drastic NO2 decline in Mumbai and Pune indicate that vehicular emissions play a major role in contributing to overall air pollution. Stringent restrictions imposed during the lockdown helped in bringing down the pollution level. Even industrial emissions were lower.”
Additionally, the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) published a detailed report on Mumbai’s air quality between March 16 - April 15. This report indicated that Mumbai’s PM2.5 reduced by 40 per cent while PM10 levels fell by 43 per cent.
NO2 and average benzene concentrations fell by 77 per cent and 59 per cent, suggesting that the breathable air in the city has improved dramatically. The data also mentioned a 50 per cent fall in SO2 (suplhur dioxide). High concentration of SO2 gases can lead to respiratory diseases, particularly for sensitive groups.
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