Delhi: SAFAR records poor air quality for third consecutive day

national capital's air quality remained "poor" for third day on trot on Saturday and is likely to deteriorate furr, even as experts said situation is better than corresponding periods in last few years.

Centre-run System of Air Quality and Wear Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) recorded overall air quality index (AQI) at 221, which falls in poor category.

Delhi's air quality remains poor for 3rd consecutive day

Central Pollution Control Board, too, recorded overall AQI at 222 at 4 pm. city's AQI is predicted to deteriorate to 256 on Sunday. SAFAR said Delhi's pollution levels will move towards "very poor" by third week of October.  

A senior official said air quality is t likely to deteriorate drastically for next two to three days as wind speed is t eugh to transport smoke from burning of stubble in Haryana and Punjab to Delhi.

RE | Singapore's NEA Reports Air Quality In City At Unhealthy Levels

SAFAR said AQI is still much better than last few years in this time of year, partly due to eugh widespre moisture with relatively warmer temperatures around surrounding areas of Delhi.

"Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'satisfactory' category till October 2 and in 'moderate' category till October 9. It turned poor for first time in season on October 10. Last year, city's air quality h turned very poor on October 7," official said.

SAFAR said increased biomass fire counts in Haryana and Panjab are likely to influence Delhi's AQI w. 

RE | Late Withdrawal Of Monsoon Likely To Affect Air Quality In Delhi

" surface wind speed continues to be slow and variable with predominant direction from West. Under se conditions, air quality is predicted to deteriorate to middle of poor category by Sunday. Furr deterioration of AQI is expected by October 14," it said. 

Starting October 15, stricter measures to fight air pollution will come into force in Delhi and its neighborhood as part of Gred Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017. 

RE | Delhi's Air Quality Turns Poor For First Time This Season

RE | Delhi's Air Quality Slips To Poor, Particulate Matter Level Shoots Up