Pollution declined by 10% in the first half in Delhi, rose in the second half

PUNE: After experiencing bad air pollution on the night of December 31st, the harmful PM 2.5 sized pollutants declined by 10% between 8 am to 2 pm in Delhi, which began implementation of the odd-even rule of vehicle rationing.

Though very preliminary, the analysis done by System for Air Quality Forecast and Research ( SAFAR), indicates that the fall in pollution levels during the first half of the day in Delhi today could be due to having lesser number of vehicles on the road.

"The pollutantion levels however increased after 2 pm probably due to changes in maximum temperature, but needs to be scientifically analysed," said Gufran Beig, ptoject director, SAFAR.

According to the analysis of SAFAR, during night of December 31 and early morning of January 1, air quality became bad thanks to increase in vehicular movement and fall in temperature by about 1.5 degree Celsius.

SAFAR has been providing hourly update of pollution levels on its website and mobile app for the period, the odd even rule will be implemented.