Delhi Continues To Choke With Very Poor Air Quality, Five Areas Record Severe Pollution: Authorities

Delhi's air quality remained very poor for the fourth day on Saturday, October 27 with five areas of the national capital recording severe pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may deteriorate further next week due to localized emissions during the festival and stubble burning.

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 341. The highest AQI of this season was recorded on Friday at 361.

On Saturday, October 27 five areas in Delhi recorded severe pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434.

READ: Delhi Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor', Unlikely To Change

An AQI between 0 and 50 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".

According to the data by the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research, the overall air quality index of Delhi would deteriorate in a few days, remaining just points below the severe category.

The CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.

Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by the transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR during November 1-10.

READ: Haze Engulfs New Delhi As Air Quality Worsens

Authorities have issued an advisory, asking people to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise the use of private vehicles. The task force warned that at beginning of November the situation may further deteriorate on account of localized emissions during the festival and the regional contribution due to stubble burning.

The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 179. The PM10 level (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 321, according to the data from the SAFAR.