The air quality of the smog-shrouded Delhi continues to remain in the ‘severe’ category for the third day in succession.
According to the authorities, the mild rain has further aggravated the menace of pollution.
The pollution watchdog, CPCB has recorded an overall air quality index (AQI) of 413 in the capital. The AQI on Monday was at 412 and on Tuesday at 415
The NCR towns of Ghaziabad and Noida also recorded ‘severe’ air quality with Ghaziabad witnessing a dismal AQI of 429. Also, Faridabad recorded air quality falling under ‘very poor’ category.
According to the CPCB, 29 areas in Delhi have ‘severe’ air quality and in 8 areas the AQI falls under ‘very poor’.
CPCB also revealed that the areas of Rohini, Bawana, Ashok Vihar, and Wazirpur are on the verge of awful ‘severe plus emergency’ category.
The reports showed that the PM2.5 level was at 257 and the PM10 level at 423.
The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) has reported that the insufficient rain led to the further deterioration of the air quality in Delhi-NCR.
According to SAFAR, low temperatures, increase in moisture and calm winds are to be blamed for turning Delhi’s air a matter of grave concern. It said, “There is a fall in temperature and a good amount of moisture is present in the air. Moist air is passing over Delhi’s cool surface leading to fog formation and calm winds are not allowing pollutants to disperse.”
Experts say that even “healthy” people face difficulty in breathing when the air quality level is at ‘severe’.
Also, the doctors have advised physical activity to be kept at a minimum.