Delhi, Gurugram air quality in 'very poor' category; Noida slips to 'critical'
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) being recorded at 385, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
In the neighbouring Gurugram and Noida, the AQI was recorded in 'very poor' and 'critical' categories, respectively. While the AQI in Gurugram was recorded at 319, the same stood at 507 in Noida.
Air pollution levels in the national capital had entered the 'severe' category on Tuesday and the 24-hour average AQI read 402, a day after the Centre's air quality panel lifted the restrictions on construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR. Weather experts said 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality is likely till December 27.
As per the government agencies, an AQI between zero 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'.
Meanwhile, cold wave abated slightly in Delhi today morning with the slowing down of icy northwesterly winds under the influence of a Western Disturbance affecting northwest India. The minimum temperature at the Safdarjung Observatory, considered the official marker for the city, settled at 4.4 degrees Celsius. The observatory reported cold wave on Monday and Tuesday, logging a minimum temperature of 3.2 degrees Celsius and 4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
READ MORE: Ban on construction and demolition activities, entry of trucks lifted in Delhi
