Air pollution: Delhi's air quality remains in 'very poor' category, AQI increases to 355

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) increased from 332 on Friday to 355 on Saturday. Meanwhile, announcing emergency measures to reduce air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has said that there will be 100 per cent work from home for the government departments till November 21.

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Construction and demolition work has also been banned till November 21 in Delhi, while schools and other educational institutes will remain closed in the national capital until further orders to check further air pollution.

Addressing the media after a high-level meeting for strict implementation of the suggestions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Rai said, "We have given instructions for a ban on the entry of all vehicles in Delhi, except those involved in essential services. The police department and the transport department will ensure this together."

Read below the most polluted zone (in severe category) in Delhi

Ashok Vihar- AQI 400; Jhangirpuri- AQI 429; Narela- AQI 400; Punjabi Bagh- AQI 402;  Rohini- AQI 406; Vivek Vihar- AQI 413.

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Delhi's neighbouring cities such as Faridabad (332), Ghaziabad (338), Greater Noida (352), Gurugram (343) and Noida (414) also recorded their air quality in the 'very poor' category, according to the data by the Central pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Understanding AQI (Air Quality Index)

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

-PTC News