Delhi (NVI): Delhi-NCR residents woke up to hazy skies yet again today as the region continued to reel under public health emergency with the air quality remaining in “severe” category for the third consecutive day.
Thick smog continued to choke the residents as weather experts predicted that there will be no let-up in the situation during the day today because of the continuing dense cloud cover due to western disturbance, and a dip in wind speed.
Meanwhile several children have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take measures to ensure clean air for them.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Friday morning was recorded at 482 which falls under the “Severe” category with PM10 being 504 and PM2.5 — 332, according to the government of India’s air quality information service SAFAR.
The AQI recorded near Mathura Road in Delhi was 524 (PM10) at 6:07 am on Friday, while near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, the AQI stood at 505 (PM10). Chandi Chowk, one of Delhi’s busiest areas, recorded an AQI of 476 (PM10) and 475 ( PM2.5).
The air quality in Delhi’s neighbouring cities was no better. Noida recorded an overall AQI of 583 at 6:07 AM on Friday, while Ghaziabad, considered as the most polluted city in India, displayed an AQI of 456 (PM2.5).
Meanwhile, the odd-even rule for vehicles on Delhi roads, which was started on November 4, comes to an end today. The Delhi government had recently said the anti-pollution rule may be extended if required. A final decision on this is expected today.
-nad
