Delhi’s air quality remained in the very poor category on Friday despite a slew of measures that were implemented in the national Capital ahead of Diwali when a spike in pollution was expected to hit the city.
The Overall Air Quality Index of the national Capital was recorded at 368 which falls in the very poor category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
The PM2.5 level was recorded at 210. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres).
Four areas in Delhi recorded “severe” air quality while 29 areas recorded “very poor” air quality, according to the CPCB data. As per the data by Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the PM10 level in Delhi stood at 333.
The SAFAR said the AQI of Delhi-NCR would continue to remain in the upper range of the “very poor” category in the next three days. “This is mainly due to weather conditions as stubble contribution is marginal now.
The moisture intrusion over Delhi and surrounding regions due to the westerlies disturbances will increase with effect from November 4 to enhanced holding capacity of atmosphere resulting in increase in PM2.5 levels,” the SAFAR website said. “Winds are calm and it is favourable for stagnation of pollution. Although upper air winds where transport takes place are from stubble burning site but speed and magnitude is low and hence unlikely to impact Delhi air quality significantly,” it added.
According to the SAFAR, 9 per cent of PM 2.5 pollution in Delhi is caused due to stubble burning.