Delhi’s air quality 436. Remains in ‘severe’ category with an AQI of
The air quality in Delhi remains in the ‘severe’ category. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality index (AQI) of Delhi was found to be ‘severe’ at 6:15 am today, with the AQI at 436.
However, on Saturday night, Delhi’s AQI was 437, with PM 2.5 level at 318, while PM 10’s was 448.
According to the Centre-run SAFAR, Delhi’s AQI is likely to improve to the upper end of the ‘very poor’ category as “surface winds are getting stronger”, dispersing air pollutants from the evening of November 7.
An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 marked as severe/dangerous.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Saturday deployed 114 water tankers to sprinkle water on roads to settle dust, one of the major contributors to air pollution, after the national capital’s air quality deteriorated after the Diwali festival.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai flagged off the water tankers, terming it an “emergency measure” to help people.
“Last month, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had launched an action plan which is being implemented across the city.
Together with the people of Delhi, we are campaigning to check the local source of air pollution in the city – be it dust, vehicle or biomass pollution,” Rai told reporters.
He said incidents of stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana on Diwali and bursting of crackers in the city have added to the air pollution.
(with inputs from agencies)
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