Delhi records 2018's second worst air quality

The cold weather has increased Delhi's pollution woes as the city recorded its second highest pollution level of the year on Sunday with an AQI of 471. The authorities have warned that unfavourable meteorological conditions will not give any respite from deadly pollution as the air quality is likely to remain in the 'severe' category for the next couple of days.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) recorded an alarmingly high AQI at 471 which is categorised in the 'severe' level. This is for the second time that highest pollution level has been recorded this year. Before this, it was recorded on November 8, a day after Diwali, when the AQI touched 571.An AQI between 100 to 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'.Doctors and experts press alarming bells in this scenario, warning that under the 'severe' category, even healthy people have difficulty breathing.

As many as 30 areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality while it was 'very poor' in six on Sunday, the Central Pollution Control Board said. Several areas like Ashok Vihar, Anand Vihar and Wazirpur, among others, inched towards the 'severe plus emergency' category, the data showed. In NCR, Ghaziabad recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 473. Faridabad and Noida also recorded 'severe' air quality, the CPCB said. In Delhi, the overall PM2.5 level -- fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer -- was recorded at 402 and the PM10 level at 580, the CPCB said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast prolonged period of light winds and low temperature over the next three to five days, resulting in poor dispersion of pollutants and the air quality may continue to remain in the 'severe' category for the next two to three days.

Officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and if these conditions persist for 48 hours, then stricter measures will be brought into force. Stringent action includes emergency measures like car rationing and a ban on construction activities.