Nashik: The air quality index (AQI) of the core city areas, including Gangapur Road, Central Bus Stand (CBS) and College Road, has improved since Diwali. The AQI that was in the poor category recently, has now moved to the moderate category.The AQI of the central parts of the city was 248, in the poor category, during the Diwali festive period, but it has reduced to 140 over the past few days, putting it in the moderate category.The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials said the air quality of the city was 32 in the good category in the third week of September, but it increased to 136 in the moderate category because of the bad condition of the roads and huge vehicular traffic. The movement of vehicles was causing dust on the city roads due to potholes.The air quality deteriorated further from 140 in the moderate category in October to 248 in poor quality during Diwali because of the firecrackers. However, now the AQI has improved to moderate category since in central parts of the city, said MPCB officials.As per the parameters, an AQI between 1 and 50 is considered good and has minimal impact, while an AQI between 51 and 100 causes minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.The AQI between 101 and 200 is moderate and causes breathing discomfort to people with lung and heart disease, children and senior citizens. The AQI between 201 and 300 is poor and causes breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.Meanwhile, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials said they have so far repaired most of the city roads, while the remaining roads will be repaired shortly.The NMC has also undertaken various measures to improve the air quality of the city from the funds under the National Clean Air Programme (N-CAP) of the Centre. The civic body has received Rs89 crore in funds under the N-CAP so far.We also published the following articles recentlyCitys air quality moderate but some pockets record poor AQIThe air quality in Mumbai was reported to be moderate on Sunday, with certain areas recording poor air quality. To mitigate air pollution, the BMC has been washing roads using water and plans to target 1,000km of roads from December 1. However, this measure has raised concerns about water scarcity. The BMC is also taking action against those not following air pollution guidelines. The citys overall air quality remained moderate during Diwali, unlike last year. A meeting will be held to discuss air pollution mitigation guidelines with various organizations.Met factors help improve AQI, but Gurgaon air still poorThe air quality in Gurgaon improved to the "poor" category with an AQI of 297, after being in the "very poor" category for two consecutive days. However, it is expected to deteriorate in the coming days due to low temperatures and wind speeds. Stubble burning in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh contributed to 23.32% of Delhi-NCRs PM2.5 levels. Patients with respiratory conditions are at higher risk and may require hospitalization.Delhi: AQI improves slightly to very poor, but no respite for residents from toxic airThe air quality in Delhi improved slightly from severe to very poor on Saturday, but the toxic haze continues to affect the city. Residents, especially senior citizens and children, are struggling to breathe. The air quality index at Ghazipur was recorded at 398, and the prevailing pollution is causing respiratory problems. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has sought the central governments intervention. Nine out of 11 state capitals recorded higher pollution levels after Diwali this year compared to last year, with the highest spike seen in Delhi.

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