New Delhi (NVI): Delhi’s air quality remained in ‘severe’ category for fourth consecutive day, with SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) recording an overall AQI of 456 at 8 am.
The concentrations of major pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 were recorded at 465 and 306 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) respectively, both falling under the ‘severe’ category, as per the Ministry of Earth Science’s air quality monitor SAFAR.
According to data available with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 4 PM was recorded at 416.
Farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring regions have also contributed to the poor air quality in the national capital.
As per the data available with CPCB, the AQI was at 431 in Anand Vihar, 411 in Dwarka, 465 in Jahangirpuri, 423 in Punjabi Bagh, and 410 in RK Puram.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3), Dilshad Garden (IHBAS), ITO, Lodhi Road, Pusa, and Sirifort recorded ‘very poor’ air quality with the overall AQI values standing at 392, 376, 353, 320, 382, and 389 respectively.
The national capital’s air quality is likely to remain ‘severe’ on Diwali festival as well, according to SAFAR.
The air monitoring agencies recently said that while meteorological conditions were moderately favourable for dispersion of pollutants, a very high number of farm fires in Punjab was the primary reason for ‘severe’ air quality.
-ARK
