Delhi's pollution continues to remain 'severe' as air quality index crosses 200 in many areas, touches 450 in DTU area

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

The air pollution in the national capital continued to remain severe on Thursday. As per the latest reports, the air quality index touched 459 near DTU area on Wednesday 6 pm.

The air quality index in areas like Gurugram, Dwaraka, Mundka, Wazirpur also showed considerable decline.

The national capital’s air quality on Sunday had improved to moderate level with an index of 181. However, on Monday, the air quality slipped to poor category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 235, according to data at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), PTI reported.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe.

An official at the Central Pollution Control Board said that air quality has declined as pollution in Delhi was on the rise. The PM10 level (presence of particles with a diametre less than 10 mm) was at 230 in Delhi and the PM2.5 level (presence of particles with a diametre less than 2.5 mm) in the city was 101, according to data provided by SAFAR.

SAFAR has predicted a further deterioration in Delhi’s air quality over the next two days, wherein the PM10 could reach 264 and PM2.5 could stand at 111 in the next three days.

In June 2018, air pollution levels in Delhi and surrounding areas deteriorated to extremely hazardous levels, and it was considered the worst in four years. Such a strong decline was felt as strong wind from arid regions in the west began showering dust particles over the capital. However, the situation was likely to show some improvement.

The weather office said that northern India usually gets very dusty during this time of the year before monsoon rainfall clears the air, but this year’s pollution level has been the worst in four years.