Delhi’s AQI Remains In ‘Very Poor’ Category, Noida Records ‘Severe’ Air Quality

Mumbai: For the ninth consecutive day on Monday, the air quality in the national capital continues to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the ninth consecutive day on Monday, as per the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR).

The overall Air Quality Index has dipped again from 347 on Sunday to 352 today. The concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 stood at 188 in the ‘very poor and 301 in the ‘poor’ category respectively.  Also Read: Delhi Govt Extends Ban On Entry Of Trucks, WFH For Its Staff Till Nov 26

According to the SAFAR bulletin, the per cent share of stubble burning related pollutants to Delhi’s PM 2.5 may remain low in spite of high wind speeds.

“The AQI today indicates very poor air quality. Transport level winds are likely to become strong from tonight till 23rd noon and coming from the favourable northwest direction. As farm fire counts are reducing rapidly, the per cent share of stubble burning related pollutants to Delhi’s PM2.5 may remain low in spite of high wind speeds,” it said in a bulletin.

The bulletin further said, “Relatively high surface winds and moderate mixing layer height results in efficient ventilation of near-surface pollutants. The net effect of a drastic reduction in fire counts and increase of surface wind speed tends to improve the air quality to the lower end of ‘very poor’ category for the next 2 days.”

It added that from November 24 onwards, the temperature is likely to drop as surface wind speed leads to less dispersion of pollutants.

“From 24th onwards, likely drop in air temperature, as well as surface wind speed, leads to less dispersion of pollutants. However, transport-level winds speed is likely to reduce keeping the air quality in the upper end of the ‘poor’ to the lower end of the ‘very poor category. The impact of farm fires (count 181) on Delhi’s PM2.5 is low (8 per cent),” it added.

The Arvind Kejriwal government on Sunday has extended the ban imposed on the entry of trucks in Delhi carrying non-essential items till November 26, with the aim to curb air pollution.

The Delhi government has also asked its employees to continue working from home till Friday.

“Government offices shall remain closed till Nov 26 except those involved in essential services. Private offices are advised to allow their staff to work from home till 26th Nov,” the order letter read on Sunday.

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