Chandni Chowk is a non-motorised zone.
New Delhi:
Chandni Chowk was among the many least polluted spots in Delhi on Monday and Tuesday, information offered by air pollution monitoring our bodies confirmed, as the general air high quality within the nationwide capital improved to the “poor” class – after a month-long spell of “very poor” and “extreme” classes – three days in the past.
One among Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets, and a vacationer hub, Chandni Chowk recorded an Air High quality Index (AQI) of 186 (average) at 8am on Monday, in line with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) that arrange a monitoring station within the space.
On Tuesday, the AQI oscillated within the 250-270 bracket throughout the day, beneath the “poor” class.
Different areas within the metropolis, nonetheless, principally recorded an air high quality that remained beneath the “very poor” class. At 4pm on Tuesday, Shadipur recorded an AQI of 324, Anand Vihar 311 and Mundka 310, in line with information offered by the Central Air pollution Management Board. Information for different areas for Monday was not instantly accessible.
General, the nationwide capital recorded an AQI of 285 on Sunday, 280 on Monday and 268 on Tuesday – all of which fall beneath the “poor” class.
Authorities and consultants mentioned the first purpose behind the comparatively low AQI in Chandni Chowk was the absence of motor automobiles within the space.
In 2021, the Delhi transport division had notified the realm, which was then beneath growth, as a non-motorised zone. In accordance with the notification, no motorcar shall be allowed to ply on the primary Chandni Chowk Highway from Crimson Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque from 9 am to 9 pm on all days. Presently, solely cycle rickshaws are permitted within the space. Nonetheless, the restrictions shall not be relevant within the case of emergencies.
“The restriction on automobiles in Chandni Chowk does assist clear up the air pollution downside. Solely automobiles carrying important items are permitted. The ban on BS3 and BS4 automobiles (having excessive emissions) has additionally helped hold a verify on the air pollution. However it is a collective effort. Simply curbing vehicular motion won’t assist,” Further Commissioner of Police (Visitors Headquarters) Satya Vir Katara mentioned.
Dr Sachin Ghude, a scientist on the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, which arrange the air high quality monitoring station in Chandni Chowk, additionally attributed the improved air high quality to the site visitors curbs within the space. “I feel that is the perfect instance of the way you handle the site visitors, and in the event you create a non-motorised zone, you should have an enchancment within the AQI,” he mentioned.
A examine by the Centre for Science and Setting final month mentioned 51.5% of the air pollution within the nationwide capital is brought on by transport and vehicular emission.
Dr MP George, a former scientist at Delhi Air pollution Management Committee, mentioned: “…Provided that there’s a constant downward pattern, can it’s thought of a authentic enchancment within the air high quality.”