Delhi Air Quality | New Delhi, Nov 9: Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Sunday, with the average AQI reaching 376. However, pollution levels are expected to rise further after Diwali celebrations.
A thick layer of smog covered the national capital and reduced visibility. The air quality is forecast to enter the ‘severe’ category today.
Of the 59 monitoring stations that recorded data, 12 reported ‘severe’ air quality. Another 22 stations recorded ‘very poor’ conditions. Jahangirpuri reported the highest AQI at 463.
The city’s average AQI increased from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday. Several monitoring stations have already crossed the severe threshold of 400.
Delhi Air Quality Forecast Remains Severe
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), Delhi’s air quality is likely to remain in the ‘severe’ category from November 9 for several days.
Experts have linked the expected deterioration to firecracker emissions, vehicular pollution and peak stubble-burning activity in neighbouring states.
Unfavourable weather conditions are also restricting the dispersal of pollutants. The EWS said a ventilation index below 6,000 square metres per second and average wind speeds below 10 kmph create unfavourable conditions.
PM2.5 remained the predominant pollutant on Sunday.
Meanwhile, firecracker emissions added to the concentration of particulate matter.
According to Delhi’s Decision Support System, the transport sector is expected to contribute 19 per cent of the city’s pollution on Sunday.
Stubble burning is estimated to contribute 3.5 per cent. However, its contribution is forecast to remain around 2.99 per cent on Monday.
The Central Pollution Control Board classifies AQI levels between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’. Readings between 401 and 500 fall under the ‘severe’ category.
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