Delhi's AQI remains 'very poor' on 2nd day,no relief likely for 3 days

The air quality in Delhi has remained in the 'very poor' category for the second consecutive day on Saturday, November 9. According to the  System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), no relief is likely in the national capital for the next three days. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has stayed over 300 in the morning. According to reports, the pollution in the national capital has remained the same due to light rainfall and cloudy sky, along with the slow speed of winds. "Isolated drizzle, cloudy conditions with calm winds prevailed yesterday instead of expected good rain, prevent boundary layer growth and lead to the accumulation of local emissions," stated SAFAR. 

SAFAR prediction

According to the Centre-run SAFAR, no drastic slip in the air quality and pollution levels is expected in the national capital over the next three days. Further, it predicted that a marginal deterioration to the higher end of the very poor category is expected by November 10. Due to the poor air quality, SAFAR has issued an advisory that stated "Take more breaks and do less intense activities. Asthmatics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see a doctor if get palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue."

Read: Delhi residents escape to Goa to gasp for fresh air

Delhi's AQI 

According to SAFAR, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi has stayed over 300 on Saturday morning. At around 8.30 in the morning, the AQI at Dhirpur was at 317, while it was 321 in Delhi University. The AQI in Lodhi Road was at 332, while at IIT Delhi, it was 350. 

Read: WATCH: Air quality (AQI) levels in Delhi continues to plummet

Measures to curb pollution

The Odd-Even scheme of the Delhi government as a measure to curb air pollution began at 8 am on Monday. The government on Sunday decided to exempt electric vehicles from the scheme. Under this measure, only non-transport four-wheeled vehicles that have registration numbers ending with an even digit (4, 6, 8, 12 and 14) will ply on the roads. Similarly, vehicles with registration numbers ending with an even digit (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will not be allowed on the roads on November 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15. According to reports, the fine for violating the scheme is Rs 4,000. The scheme will conclude on November 15. Apart from this, the government has also distributed masks for protection. 

Read: Delhi air quality improves to 'poor' category; schools reopen

Read: India: Here are 10 places severely polluted apart from Delhi on Nov 4