After short relief, Delhi's air-quality slips to 'very poor'
After a brief respite, Delhi's air quality deteriorated again to 'very poor' category today as the dispersion of pollutants slowed down. The overall air quality index was recorded at 315 which falls in 'very poor' category, according to the Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR). Sixteen areas recorded 'very poor' air quality in Delhi, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
AQI: What is it and what are its levels?
An Air Quality Index (AQI), which is a number used to check 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'.
Air quality improved since past two days due to rain
Today, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) level was recorded at 139, while the PM10 (diameter less than 10 micrometers) was recorded at 210 in Delhi. Delhi's air quality showed significant improvement in the past two days after rain washed away the pollutants but after that, a rise in pollution level was recorded again today, authorities said.
'Impact of biomass burning in northwest-India is marginal over Delhi'
According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, fire counts observed in past 24 hours over the northwest region of India were few (less than 100 counts). "The air quality (PM2.5 concentration) is likely to improve the next two days but remain in 'poor'/'very poor' category in Delhi-NCR. The impact of biomass burning in northwest India is marginal over Delhi," it said.
