(PTI)
Pollution in Delhi remained in the ‘severe’ level for the third consecutive day as wind speed and other meteorological factors remained “highly unfavourable” for dispersion of pollutants on Monday, according to authorities. People have been advised by the authorities to minimise outdoor activities and avoid use of private vehicles.
While the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the overall air quality index (AQI) at ‘severe’ level of 445, the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) showed a higher AQI of 477. An AQI between 100 to 200 comes under the ‘moderate’ category, 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, while that between 401 and 500 is ‘severe’.
On Monday, 32 areas of the national capital recorded ‘severe’ air quality while five areas recorded very poor air quality, according to the CPCB. In NCR, Noida recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 464. Faridabad and Ghaziabad also recorded ‘severe’ air quality, the CPCB said. The overall PM2.5 level — fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer — was recorded at 369 and the PM10 level at 533 here, the CPCB said.
