Delhi AQI deteriorates to 'Poor' category as stubble burning on the rise

According to Centre-run System of Air Quality and Wear Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), air quality in national capital worsened to "poor" category on Thursday due to an increase in stubble burning. Air Quality Index (AQI) in ITO area of national capital was recorded at 202, and total AQI is expected to worsen to higher end of poor in next three days. If re is no rain in following two days, share of stubble burning would likely grow, according to SAFAR.

PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations were 91 in 'poor' category and 171 in 'moderate' category, respectively. According to data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), some sections of Delhi, including Chandni Chowk and Rohini, h 'b' air quality, with AQI values of 230 and 232, respectively, while Lodhi Ro h a 'moderate' AQI of 165.

Delhi: Air quality slips to 'Poor' category according to SAFAR

"Delhi's AQI is in poor category. fire count is 746 and its share in PM2.5 is 12 per cent. Fire emission from upwind region enhances PM2.5 concentrations as winds at transport level are from northwest region. Stubble burning share is likely to increase in next two days if re is no rain. overall AQI is likely to furr degre to higher end of poor for next three days," SAFAR said in its bulletin.

Stubble burning impacts AQI

An AQI of 0-50 is regarded as good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. Meanwhile, Delhi government launched 'Red Light On, Gai Off' campaign on October 18 to combat air pollution, with first phase lasting till November 18. Stubble burning in neighbouring states ds greatly to Delhi's air pollution. Farmers set fire to ir fields to clear crop residue quickly before growing wheat and potato. It is one of primary causes of Delhi-NCR's increase in pollution.

IMD issues Yellow alert for October 24

India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius in Delhi on Wednesday morning, two degrees above season's average. humidity level fluctuated between 91 and 47 %. Thursday is expected to be mostly clear, with a chance of mist in morning, according to wear service. maximum temperature is expected to be approximately 32 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of around 19 degrees Celsius. From October 21 to October 23, IMD has issued a green alert, and on October 24, a yellow alert.

With inputs from ANI and PTI

IMAGE: PTI