As a consequence of the lockdown and the reduction in the number of vehicles on the streets as well as functioning industries, pollution levels in cities like Mumbai and Pune have gone down significantly. In Mumbai, areas like Worli, Borivali, and Bhandup have reportedly recorded cleaner air compared to other parts of the city.
Mumbai saw the harmful particular matter or PM2.5 fall by 39 per cent, while PM10 and NO2 were down 43 per cent and by 63 per cent respectively. Similarly in Pune, which also contributes heavily to pollution on non-lockdown days, the PM2.5 fell by 25 per cent, while the PM10 saw a 26 per cent reduction, and NO2 emissions fell by 57 per cent. The data was provided by the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
Elaborating on some of the metrics used to measure pollution, PM2.5 is the measure of particulate matter in the atmosphere that has a diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres. PM10, similarly, is the particulate matter that has a diameter of under 10 micrometres. NO2 is the toxic nitrogen dioxide fumes released from vehicular emissions.
The traffic situation in Mumbai has been an ever-increasing problem with the number of registered vehicles breaking new records each year. However, with the COVID-19 epidemic currently sweeping through Mumbai, this problem has been curbed to a great extent. The challenge now will be to continue this trend even after the lockdown ends.
India has been under lockdown since March 25, and there are reports emerging that it may continue beyond May 3 in hotspots of the state. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has mentioned that the lockdown could be extended in parts of Mumbai and Pune after May 3.
Also Read - BEST Bus Driver Tests Positive, Admitted To Rajawadi Hospital
Share
Tweet
