Air quality in Delhi recorded in ‘very poor’ category with overall air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday settling at 316 micrograms per cubic.

According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), a unit of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoEs), the AQI indicated the lower end of very poor air quality. “Local surface winds remained relatively high leading to improvement but AQI remained ‘very poor’.”

In its short-range weather forecast, SAFAR said on first and second December winds are likely to be calm reducing ventilation leading to deterioration of air quality but within the same category. “From third December onwards, winds are expected to increase but AQI is likely to remain in ‘very poor’ category. Farm fires count is 186 and it’s share in PM2.5 is one percent. Low mixing layer height is preventing efficient dispersion of pollutants,” it said.

Meanwhile, values of Particulate Matters (PMs) 10 and 2.5 were recorded several fold higher than their prescribed standards set by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Values of both the pollutants were 263 and 140 (µgm-3) on the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI).

AQI in NCR region – Faridabad 210 , Noida 316, Gurugram 320 and Ghaziabad 315.

SAFAR advised people to go for a short walk instead of a jog and take more breaks. “Stop any activity level if you experience any unusual coughing, chest discomfort, wheezing, breathing difficulty, or fatigue. If the room has windows, close them. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed. Avoid burning of wood, candles or incense. Keep the room clean – dont vacuum. Do wet mopping to reduce dust.Masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators may only help if you go out,” SAFAR, pollution monitoring agency said in its health advisory.