Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi continued to be ‘very poor’ on October 22 with an average reading of 318 of PM (particulate matter) 2.5 at 9 am, according to data of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research. Air quality remained poor as stubble burning in the neighboring states of Haryana and Punjab continues to take a toll on the National Capital’s atmosphere.
Authorities warned that air quality may further deteriorate in the next couple of days.
An AQI if read 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”.
The air quality was recorded the worst in Dwarka at 361 followed by Narela at 300.
AQI data at Delhi’s Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 217 and 244 respectively.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that Anand Vihar, Mundaka, Narela, Dwarka Sector 8, Nehru Nagar and Rohini showed ‘very poor’ air quality and are inching towards severe pollution levels.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on October 19 warned that the city would become a “gas chamber soon” as the Centre, Punjab and Haryana governments did “absolutely nothing” for farmers involved in stubble burning.
CPCB official said numerous factors were responsible for the deteriorating air quality in the city, including vehicular pollution, construction activities and meteorological factors like a direction of wind which is now flowing from the stubble burning areas.
