Air quality in Delhi was recorded as poor with overall Air Quality Index (AQI) being measured at 321µgm-3 on the National Ambient Air Quality Index (NAAQI).
According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the air quality is likely to improve from February 20.
The values of suspended particulate matters (SPMs) also recorded high on the SAFAR’s index. Values of primary pollutants — particulate matters (PMs) 10 and 2.5 were 311 and 147 in microgram per cubic on Wednesday.
Meanwhile in short range air quality forecast, SAFAR said overall Delhi air quality is in the low-end of the very poor category as forecast. Surface winds are low and forecasted to improve and change in direction to easterly. Better ventilation is likely to influence AQI positively. AQI is likely to stay in the lower end of very poor for the next two days. AQI is likely to further improve on February 20.
SAFAR updated air quality in Delhi University, Pusa Road, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, IIT Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal 3) and Ayanagar recorded air quality in the very poor category with an AQI of 332, 314, 330, 365, 323, 326 and 332 respectively.
AQI between 51 and 100 is considered as satisfactory or very good, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 300-400 considered as very poor. Whilw levels between 401-500 fall under the hazardous category.