According to the SAFAR, the calm surface winds led to trapping of pollutants near the surface and turned the air quality worse in the Delhi region.
The air quality in Delhi worsened and turned severe on Saturday (January 2) morning. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 445, which was a worse showing as compared to a 'very poor' 332 on January 1.
The 'severe' quality of air led to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), advising people to stay indoors and to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. The SAFAR is the air quality monitor of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The concentrations of the particular matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 were recorded at 484 and 305 respectively. Both fall under the 'severe' category, SAFAR said.
According to the SAFAR, the calm surface winds led to trapping of pollutants near the surface and turned the air quality worse in Delhi.
"The overall air quality has deteriorated and in the 'severe' category. Surface winds became extremely calm and the low dispersion condition led to accumulation and trapping of pollutants near-surface," SAFAR explained.
The SAFAR said that a fresh western disturbance was likely to affect the Delhi region, which would improve the speed of surface winds from January 3. Some rainfall and ventilation will significantly improve the air quality at present.
The pollution mapping agency predicted the concentration of PM10 particles to be at 314 ('poor' category) and PM2.5 particles at 199 ('very poor') category on January 3.
Beware of air quality
The centre-run pollution monitoring system issued a strict warning for January 2 and urged people to avoid outdoor activities. As for the masks, SAFAR advised not just relying on dust masks but rather using N-95 or P-100 respirators for protection.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the AQI was recorded at 489 in Jahangirpuri, 464 in Dwarka Sector 8, 455 in Sirifort, and 452 on Mathura road.
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 "Delhi Air Quality Index")
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