Delhi Air Quality Index witnesses slight improvement; drops from 'very poor' to 'poor'

It was another hazy morning in Delhi-NCR region with a layer of thick smog engulfing the city and the minimum temperature at one notch above normal. However, the air quality on Wednesday morning witnessed a slight improvement from "very poor" to "poor" category.

As per the latest data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index of Delhi was recorded at 230, which falls into the "poor" category. The major pollutant particle was PM 10 while the PM 2.5 level was recorded at 228. On a scale of 0 and 50, the AQI 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'.

Delhi: According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data, major pollutant PM 2.5 is at 228 (poor) and PM 10 at 232 (poor) in Lodhi Road area. pic.twitter.com/8MECW1BXMj

— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2018

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To be specific, twenty-eight areas in Delhi recorded 'poor' air quality, six recorded 'very poor' air quality, while two areas recorded 'moderate' air quality on Wednesday morning.

The air quality in the national capital region has been deteriorating from the past few days with authorities attributing the continuous pollution to the change in wind direction. The wind, which is now blowing from the direction of stubble burning areas of Punjab and Haryana, will be bringing the influence of biomass burning pollutants in Delhi-NCR till Wednesday, according to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

The air quality will further deteriorate to 'severe plus emergency' category on November 8 if "partial toxic crackers" are burned on the day of Diwali, the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) warned. While the PM 10 is expected to reach 575, the PM 2.5 may reach 378 a day after Diwali, recording the worst air quality of the year.

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In the wake of the current scenario, watchdog CPCB has also recommended a ban on the entry of trucks into the city between November 8 to 10. Delhiites have been requested to help in reducing local sources of pollution by celebrating a cracker-free Diwali on Wednesday.