The level of pollutants has not only breached the 'severe plus level' in the national Capital and its adjoining areas, it has also forced the centre run SAFAR to issue an advisory to the people to avoid 'inhalation'. The Air quality Index (AQI) recorded 600 plus, causing people discomfort.
Vasundra- Ghaziabad recorded 654 AQI which falls under the Severe plus category, SAFAR in its health bulletin recommended to stop outdoor activities.
SAFAR asked avoid all Physical outdoor activities and move indoors. Those suffering from asthma should keep relief medicine handy. People should avoid early morning and sunset activities. 'Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. 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," SAFAR stated in its advisory.
At 12.30 pm, the city's overall air quality index was 390 — marginally better than Monday's high of 397 at 8 pm — according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
Pollution levels in the satellite towns of Ghaziabad (429), Greater Noida (418), and Noida (427) were worse.An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory",
101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.
Anand Vihar was the most polluted area in the capital with an AQI of 436 and Nehru Nagar following with an AQI of 430.
Delhi's air quality took a hit after on Diwali night due to a combination of firecracker emissions, stubble burning and unfavourable meteorological conditions. Since then, pollution levels have been oscillating between the lower end and the higher end of the "very poor" category.