Delhi continues to choke, 5 areas record severe pollution: CPCB
Delhi's air quality remained very poor for the fourth day today with five areas recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localized emissions during festival and stubble burning. The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 341 today. The highest AQI of this season was recorded yesterday at 361.
PM2.5 in Delhi stood at 179, PM10 at 321 today
An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with less than 2.5 micrometers diameter) was recorded at 179. The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with less than 10 micrometers diameter) in Delhi stood at 321 today, according to the SAFAR data.
Here are the five areas which recorded severe pollution
Today, five areas in Delhi recorded severe pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh, and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434.
Authorities say Delhi AQI could further deteriorate in coming days
According to the data by the Center-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall air quality index of Delhi would deteriorate in a few days, remaining just points below the severe category. The CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.
Stay indoors, shut coal industries, minimize private vehicle use: CPCB
Some of the recommendations include shutdown of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR. People are advised to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimize use of private vehicles. The task force warned that during November beginning the situation may further deteriorate on account of localized emissions during festival and stubble burning.
