Delhi-NCR air quality remains 'very poor'; overall AQI stands at 423
According to the latest update by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital stands at 423 falling in the 'very poor' category. The Delhi-NCR was covered with smog and dust, on Tuesday, with an overall AQI of over 500 falling in the 'hazardous' over 'severe' category. As per SAFAR, Chandni Chowk was the most polluted area, on Wednesday with an overall AQI of 673. Likewise, the conditions at Dhirpur, PUSA, Lodhi road and IIT-Delhi were similar, with an overall AQI of 395, 400, 384 and 395, respectively. The major pollutants PM 10 and PM 2.5 were recorded at 265 and 384, respectively in the Lodhi Road area, as per SAFAR updated estimate. Meanwhile, the other areas including Indira Gandhi International Airport (terminal 3), Mathura road also recorded an overall AQI of 399 each falling in 'very poor'. The AQI level between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, while 401 and 500 ‘severe’. Also, SAFAR had predicted that the air quality in Delhi-NCR will get worse in coming days and is expected to be over 300 due to Diwali and the continuous stubble burning. Also Read | Punjab: 14 farmers fined in Moga for burning stubble The neighbouring areas including Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Gurugram in Haryana, with AQI recorded 'severe' and 'very poor'. Noida recorded an Air Quality Index of 519, while it was 384 in Gurugram. The stubble burning continues in the areas of Haryana and Punjab, resulting in the air pollution in Delhi-NCR. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the smoke from stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab is expected to reach Delhi by Wednesday ensuring that the air quality further worsens. -PTC News
