Air quality in national Capital remained under the "very poor" category on National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI) on Monday as values of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPMs) were recorded five times higher than their prescribed standards set by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Pollution Monitoring agency SAFAR has painted the entire Delhi map "Red" (which stand for Severe) for November 1 and marked some areas as "Yellow" (Moderate) for October 31.
Areas of Central Delhi too was marked yellow on the pollution map. Significantly, the overall Average Air Quality was recorded 348 micro cubic per gram.
A visibly annoyed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, blamed the Centre and the Governments of Haryana and Punjab for the severe air pollution in Delhi, alleging that they were not ready to do anything despite the all-out efforts by the Aam Aadmi Party Government.
"The pollution was in control in Delhi throughout the year, but this time (winters) every year, Delhi has to face severe pollution condition due to the Centre, BJP-led Haryana and Congress-led Punjab Governments. "Despite our all-out efforts, they are not ready to do anything. Farmers of these two states are also fed up with their Governments," Kejriwal tweeted. Stubble-burning is the major reason for the increase in the pollution level in the National Capital Region in winters.
Dwarka, Gahziabd, Noida , Grater Noida, Punjabi Bagh , Rajouri Garden , RK Puram, Anand Vihar , Delhi airport and North West areas are severely affected as values of Particulate Matter (10) in these areas have recorded 700 plus and PM 2.5 were recorded between 200 and 300 micro cubic per gram.