City witnessed overcast sky with light drizzle lashing parts it, further aggravating the situation; Ban on entry of heavy vehicles lifted by EPCA
The national capital woke up to a thick haze which engulfed the entire city on Tuesday as the air quality plummeted into the 'severe' category. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged to 409 on Tuesday, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board even as authorities expressed concern that light rainfall in Delhi may worsen the pollution levels
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'.
As many as 17 places in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality while it settled at 'very poor' in 14 areas, according to the data.
On Tuesday, the level of PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) and PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi was recorded at 238 and 399 respectively. The sky remained overcast throughout the day with light drizzle lashing parts of the city, further aggravating the situation. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) also confirmed that such sporadic showers will deteriorate the situation."Such isolated showers often aggravate air pollution post event unless the spell is longer and widespread. It introduces a lot of moisture in the air and makes it heavy to hold more particulate matters," a SAFAR report said.
Meanwhile, as counter steps against alarmingly high pollution level, the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) on Monday warned that if the air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate then it would impose a complete ban on the use of non-CNG private as well as commercial vehicles."In the scenario that the weather remains adverse and that the current situation of air quality remains in 'very poor' or 'severe' category, then there is no option but to impose blanket ban on the use of private and commercial vehicles other than those plying on CNG to contain high pollution level," EPCA Chairperson Bhure Lal had said in a letter. The air quality in Delhi has been "severe" for the past two days. The city recorded its highest pollution level of the year a day after Diwali with an AQI of 642.
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