Delhi recorded its worst air quality of this season on Sunday as a thick haze engulfed the national capital. The overall Air Quality Index of the national capital was recorded at 381 which falls in the very poor category, just points below severe pollution level, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 “satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
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A thick haze due to smog engulfed the national capital which recorded the worst air quality of this season, authorities said.
#Delhi records worst air quality of season as haze engulfs national capital. pic.twitter.com/c6A5kX2JF2
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 28, 2018
Twelve pollution monitoring stations located in various parts of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 20 stations recorded very poor air quality, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Earlier, the Supreme Court ruled that people in the country can burst firecrackers from 8 PM to 10 PM only on Diwalli and other festivals, permitting the sale and manufacture of low emission “green” firecrackers countrywide.
Environment and health experts welcomed the order, with some describing it as a “spectacular” decision, while others saying it was time the society celebrated festive occasions “more responsibly”.
Authorities attribute the dip in air quality to localised factors like construction dust, vehicular pollution as well as regional factors like pollution due stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana.
A CPCB-led task force has recommended to Supreme Court appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority implementation of stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.
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The task force also issued an advisory to the public, asking them to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise use of private vehicles.
The task force also warned that at beginning of November the situation may get further deteriorated on account of localized emissions during festival and regional contribution due to stubble burning.
(With PTI inputs)