New Delhi : Delhi's air quality was recorded in 'very poor' category on Tuesday as wind continued to blow from regions where there is rampant stubble burning, authorities said, warning of severe spike in pollution levels after Diwali even if "partial toxic crackers" are burnt compared to last year.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 394, which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board. On Monday, the AQI was recorded at severe category of 434, the highest of the season, it said. On Tuesday, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) level was recorded at 243 while the PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) was recorded at 372 in Delhi.
In Delhi NCR, the PM2.5 was recorded 237 and PM10 was recorded at 366, the CPCB data said. An AQI between 0 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'. Twenty areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while 13 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality. Authorities attribute the continuous pollution to the change in wind direction, which is now blowing from the direction of stubble burning areas of Punjab and Haryana.
