CHANDIGARH: Light and moderate downpour in most parts of the state, along with zero incidence of crop residue burning (CRB) resulted in air quality index (AQI) improving from severe to very poor in five main districts. The remaining cities reported an air quality index (AQI) between poor and moderately poor.Districts where AQI improved slightly include Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Faridabad and Sonipat.Even Fatehabad district, which topped in stubble burning and reported an AQI of over 400, reported a level of 199. So was the case in Gurgaon, Bahadurgarh, Bhiwani and Hisar districts.Meanwhile, the agriculture and farmers welfare department confirmed zero incidence of stubble burning from across the state. This was really a zero crop residue burning day and will continue. Credit goes to increased monitoring as well as awareness among farmers, said Haryana agriculture and farmer welfare minister J P Dalal.When contacted, officials in Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) confirmed that the rain at several places led to sharp decline in AQI. Certainly, no stubble burning has contributed but largely, dust particulates settled due to the rain, a regional officer of HSPCB, NCR said. AQI in Kaithal was recorded at 342, Kurukshetra 323, Karnal 320, Faridabad 320 , Sonipat 315 Panipat 297, Gurgaon 266, Bahadurgarh 230, Jind 224, Ballabhgarh 209, Rohtak 204, Manesar 203, Fatehabad 199, Dharuhera 194, Bhiwani 191, Hisar 187, Sirsa 174, Panchkula 172, Palwal 149, Ambala 138, Mandikhera 125 and Charkhi Dadri 130. We also published the following articles recentlyWind improves air quality in Noida and Gurgaon, AQI stands in very poor zoneDespite a slight improvement in wind speed, the air quality in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon remained in the very poor category. Gurgaons AQI decreased from severe to 373, while Noidas AQI came down to 384 from 414. Greater Noidas AQI remained severe at 420, and Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 391. The Noida administration appointed sector magistrates to enforce compliance of GRA norms, including banning diesel trucks and construction activities.Gurgaon breathes a little easy as rain and wind help improve air, AQI still poorRain and wind in Gurgaon have helped improve the air quality from severe to poor. The citys Air Quality Index (AQI) decreased from 404 to 240 on Friday. The wind speed increased from 4kmph to 8kmph. Gurgaon received 2.5mm of rain. However, the improvement is temporary, and the air quality is expected to worsen due to local factors. Delhis AQI was recorded as poor at 279, while Faridabads air was very poor at 308. The AQI in Noida was 247 and Ghaziabad was 267, both poor.Wind helps improve AQI, but air still very poorGurgaon experienced a slight improvement in air quality as wind speed increased, resulting in better dispersion of pollutants. The citys air quality index (AQI) dropped from severe to very poor. However, the AQI is still hazardous, and larger actions are needed to reduce emissions from industries and coal-based power plants, as well as address local sources like transportation and construction. The PM2.5 levels remained hazardous, and health experts advised residents to stay indoors and wear N95 masks during peak pollution hours. Delhi, Faridabad, Noida, and Ghaziabad also recorded poor to severe AQI.

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