Air quality 'severe' in Delhi, rainfall may bring respite

Air quality 'severe' in Delhi, rainfall may bring respite
12 Jan 2019

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the severe category today due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days.

Authorities said the rainfall might lower the pollution level.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 410, which falls in the severe category.

22 areas in the national capital recorded 'severe' air quality
Data

Twenty-two areas recorded severe air quality and 13 areas very poor air quality, the CPCB said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Greater Noida recorded severe air quality, it added.

The overall PM2.5 level (fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) in Delhi was recorded at 287, while PM10 was at 443, said CPCB.

Foggy conditions are likely to reduce now: SAFAR
Forecast

The Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains, which is expected thereafter.

"The overall air quality will deteriorate further, with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Although, foggy conditions are likely to reduce now," the SAFAR said.

What are the different levels of Air Quality Index?

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the moderate category, 201 and 300 is considered poor, 301 and 400 very poor, while between 401 and 500 is severe.

Delhi's air was recorded in the poor category Wednesday and Thursday with increased wind speed, which helped in cleansing the air, before slipping into very poor yesterday morning and further nosediving towards severe pollution level.