Delhi's AQI improves as pollution decreases, still in poor category

Delhi's pollution level is decreasing as the air quality in the national capital seems to be improving. The national capital and its adjoining areas witnessed some improvement in the air pollution levels on Wednesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) was 211 in the morning. According to Skymet Weather, despite the change in wind direction to westerlies/north westerlies, the pollution levels have decreased as the wind speed remained moderate in the range of 15-20 kmph. Skymet is a private weather forecast agency.

SAFAR reports

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) on Wednesday has been 211 with PM10 levels falling up to 155. As per the weather forecasting application, the air quality falls under the 'Moderate' category. Further, it has advised 'sensitive groups' to reduce heavy exertion and outdoor work for long. The locals have also been advised to take more breaks and do less intense activities. According to the organization, the highest air quality index on Wednesday was witnessed in Chandni Chowk with the AQI of 333 that falls under 'Very Poor' category. On the other hand, the lowest air quality index has been witnessed in Gurugram with an AQI of 153 that falls under the 'Moderate' category. 

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Local reactions

According to the locals in the national capital, they have been feeling less suffocated in the morning. A local Dutta Sutra said that he felt "better and less suffocated". Further, he praised the Centre and the state government for creating awareness among people about air pollution. Another local, Kanhaiya, stated that the air clean and stubble burning has also reduced. 

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ICMR study 

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), about 4 lakh deaths in India in 2017 were due to air pollution. There were 6.7 lakh deaths due to outdoor particulate matter air pollution and 4.8 lakh deaths due to household air pollution. According to reports, the highest PM2.5 exposure level was in Delhi, followed by the other north Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana.

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(WITH ANI INPUTS)