New Delhi (NVI): The national capital’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded in the “very poor” category this morning, even as pollution levels dipped slightly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said.
The slight decrease in pollution levels was observed due to change in the wind direction from north westerly to north-north easterly.
According to the CPCB data, the national capital recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 315 at around 9 am. The AQI in neighbouring cities of Faridabad (306), Ghaziabad (336), Noida (291), Greater Noida (322) and Gurgaon (261), was also recorded in the ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ categories.
Yesterday, Delhi’s air quality slightly improved to ‘very poor’ category with 24-hour average AQI at 344 after remaining in the ‘severe’ category for the last six days on the loop.
However, the change in the wind direction helped in reducing the contribution of stubble burning to the pollution, though it was still in the ‘very poor’ category.
Officials at the air monitoring stations informed that, the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR is expected to remain such till Diwali. This is because the winds which were blowing from the western direction bringing smoke from Punjab and Haryana is now blowing from the eastern direction, sending the smoke back.
Meanwhile, to tackle air pollution, the CPCB ordered the closure of hot mix plants and stone crushers in Delhi-NCR till November 17 in view of increase in pollution levels in the coming days, when a number of festivals will be celebrated.
-RJV
