Delhi’s air quality on Wednesday dropped further with average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 328 marking it red and “very poor” category.
The particulate matters (PM) remained three to five times above the safe limits (60 and 100 micro cubic per gram) with air-quality severe or severe-plus in about 13 out of 48 regions across the National Capital Region (NCR).
According to weather analysts, low wind over Delhi saved the national Capital from ill-effects of stubble burning in the neighbouring States.
However, north-westerly winds from Punjab and Haryana, where farmers are burning the paddy residue, will reach within two-three days, aggravating pollution in Delhi.
“Delhi may see north-westerly winds in the next two days. Currently, the humidity is low. Lower morning temperatures mixed with pollutants from haze are resulting in spike in the pollution levels,” said Mahesh Palawat, director, private weather forecaster Skymet.
On Wednesday, the average PM2.5 in Delhi was 176 units across 36 regions and 172 units across 48 regions of NCR. The permissible limit of PM2.5, the major pollutant, is 60 units as per national standards.
Meanwhile, Mundaka in Outer Delhi was most polluted with AQI of 448 or severe at 5 pm. Among other areas with severe air quality were Dwarka sub-city, Rohini, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Nehru Nagar, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Mathur Raod and Noida Sector-125.
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) issued advisory to avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity early morning and after sunset.