Delhi's air quality deteriorates to 'very poor' ahead of Diwali
What's the story
Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category today as the wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said.
They warned of a severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt this year.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394 this morning.
Data
AQI to fall in 'severe' category on November 8, 9
Echoing CPCB, Center-run SAFAR said, "Even if 50% of the total load of toxic firecrackers as compared to Diwali-2017 is added, the prevailing weather conditions will make air quality to persist in severe range for at least two days - November 8 and 9."
Details
Yesterday, AQI recorded at 434, the highest this season
Yesterday, the AQI was recorded in the 'severe' category at 434, the highest this season.
Twenty areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while 13 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality.
Authorities attribute the continuous pollution to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, which also caused 14% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi today, while 33% of PM2.5 was caused due to the same yesterday.
Information
Levels of PM2.5, PM10 stood at 243 and 372
The levels of PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 (diameter less than 10 micrometers) recorded in Delhi today stood at 243 and 372, respectively. In Delhi-NCR, PM2.5 stood at 237 and PM10 at 366.
Forecast
Post Diwali, Delhi's air quality expected to deteriorate further
To aggravate the situation, polluting winds coming from North-westerly direction will continue up to Wednesday morning.
As per predictions by System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), after Diwali, Delhi's air quality is expected to deteriorate to 'severe plus emergency' category and PM10 and PM2.5 are expected to reach 575 and 378, respectively, recording the worst air quality of the year.
Data
What is Air Quality Index (AQI)?
An Air Quality Index (AQI), numbers used to check the pollution level in air, between 0 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'.