Delhi breathes easy as Covid-19 lockdown lowers pollution levels again

Due to a lockdown implemented during the second wave of Covid-19 starting mid-April, Delhi's air quality improved and was similar to that of 2020.

Covid-19 lockdown in the national capital may not be good news for many but it has definitely helped clear the air in Delhi. Due to closure of markets, malls, industries, and construction works during the second wave of Covid-19 starting mid-April, the air quality this year is similar to that of last year, when a nation-wide lockdown was implemented in March. The average PM2.5 for May of both the years is almost identical at about 55-56 ug/m3. However, this value is about 42 per cent lower than the value in May 2019, when there was no lockdown. In May 2019, the average PM2.5 level recorded was 95 ug/m3, suggesting that lockdown had a significant impact on reducing Delhi’s PM 2.5 level. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) describes fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.