The mass concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) 10 was observed nine-fold increase in Anand Vihar area of the Capital on Saturday, even as the level of PM 2.5 was also observed higher than the prescribed standards in city Civil lines area.
City’s air quality also continues to be very poor as shown by advisory status of SAFAR, a situation that is extremely harmful for senior citizens and children.
At Anand Vihar, where pollutants have consistently breached safe limits, PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at a staggering 985 and 994 microgram per cubic metres. At Punjabi Bagh, PM 2.5 was 241and PM 10 at 130 as per DPCC in the morning hours. However, the corresponding safe limits are 60 and 100. Anything beyond that can harm the respiratory system as the particles embed themselves deep inside the lungs.
The Centre’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), DPCC and the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) figures have collectively showing the abnormal rise in pollution.
SAFAR air quality index of Pitampura, Delhi University, Mathura Road, IGI Airport among others displayed ‘very poor’ category. CPCB’s National Air Quality Index also threw up ‘very poor’ readings in places across the city.
The relative humidity was 92 per cent in Punjabi Bagh areas while wind direction was 152 degree.