Pollution monitoring agencies in the national Capital alarmed citizens on Tuesday as the expected share of stubble burning in Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 is likely to be in the range of 20 -30 per cent on Diwali and post Diwali days.
While the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a very poor category with 306 micrograms per cubic concentration of harmful Suspended Particulate Matters (SPMs) on the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI), Delhi already faced a dangerous situation.
SAFAR, in its health bulletin also warned people not to step out and avoid outdoor activities. “Avoid all Physical activity outdoor and move activities indoors. If asthematics, keep relief medicine handy,” it said.
In short range air quality forecast impact of stubble burning is expected to be low due to unfavorable winds coming from south- west and east direction. “Share of crop residue bruning emission in PM 2.5 was six percent with effective fore count 1795,” “Prevailing shallow mixing layer height reduces dispersion of pollutants. During 4th - 6th November (Diwali day and the next two days) expected share of stubble burning in PM2.5, as predicted by SAFAR, is likely to be in the range 2o percent and 38 percent.”
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI was 281 in morning, Faridabad was tagged under very poor category with 321, Ghaziabad -363, Greater Noida -306 and Noida 301.
Najafgarh, Dwarka Sector 8, Anand Vihar, R K Puram and Punjbai Bagh areas of Delhi have been declared as red zones due to high AQI values.
Meanwhile, values of harmful pollutants – P M 10 and 2.5 were recorded 252 and 131 in micrograms per cubic.