Delhi AQI Continues to Remain 'Very Poor' for 11th Consecutive Day; Any Relief Soon?

New Delhi: The average Air Index Quality (AQI) of Delhi on Saturday morning stood at 360. This means the streak of “very poor” air quality in the national capital has continued. Safety and health concerns have escalated in the city. Nehru Nagar recorded AQI at 431, New Moti Bagh at 411 and Bhawana at 409. On Friday, it had reached 380, on a scale 0-500, which was the worst of this season as of now. On November 3 and 4, the Delhi AQI was 381 and 382 respectively.On Friday, the AQI had reached 390 at 10 am, 387 by noon, and settled at 382 by 3 pm, which increased the concerns of the residents and health officials. On Thursday, the average AQI was 377. It was the ninth consecutive day of Delhi breathing "very poor" air. According to a Times of India report, by early afternoon on Friday – at the time of peak traffic – 18 of 32 monitoring stations reported AQI in the severe category.

Ninth Consecutive Day in ‘Very Poor’ QualityFriday marked the city’s tenth consecutive day of 'very poor' air quality. It should be noted that the calm winds stopped pollutants from spreading, and additional emissions from local and neighbouring areas worsened the situation. Delhi was covered in thick smog on Friday, with calm winds adding to the haze. "Smoggy conditions with light, variable surface winds at speeds of 4–6 kmph persisted throughout the day, with calm conditions overnight," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. Major Factors of CPCBThe Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has stated that the primary pollutants are PM2.5 and PM10. PM2.5 levels fluctuated between 172.5 and 175.9 micrograms per cubic metre, far exceeding the national standard of 60 units and the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 15 units. Meanwhile, PM10 levels reached 307.1 micrograms per cubic metre. According to Indian standards, 100 units is a safe limit, while the WHO suggests a maximum of 45 units. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) said that Delhi is likely to endure very poor air quality until Sunday. "Meteorological conditions are likely to severely hinder pollutant dispersion, keeping air quality in the 'very poor' category from November 9 to 11," stated a bulletin.This trend may persist for another six days, it added.