Delhi: Air quality remains 'very poor' for second consecutive day
What's the story
The air quality in Delhi remained "very poor" for the second consecutive day on Thursday, with several areas in the national capital nearing severe levels of the pollution, according to the authorities.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 315, according to the Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
Here's more.
Information
Levels of Air Quality Index
An AQI 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".
CPCB data
AQI at Dwarka Sector 8 is the highest with 353
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 317, Dwarka Sector 8 (353), ITO (295), Jahangirpuri (336), and Rohini (344) on Thursday.
The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers) in Delhi stood at 289 and the PM2.5 level was recorded at 137, as per the CPCB data.
Forecast
Further deterioration of air quality has been forecast in Delhi
Further deterioration of air quality has been forecast for the coming days with the PM10 level reaching 332 and the PM2.5 level, 158.
A CPCB official said a number of factors were responsible for the deteriorating air quality, including vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors.
The deterioration of air quality comes days after the implementation of an emergency plan to combat air pollution.