Delhi-NCR gasp for air with AQI at 'very poor' category, CJI asks Centre to ensure no smog

Delhi-NCR pollution level is deteriorating with each passing day. The air quality index of Delhi-NCR continued to remain at 'very poor' category even on Saturday

The national capital’s overall air pollution was recorded at 385 ‘very poor’ category at 7 am on Saturday. The pollution level in Noida was at 'severe' category with an AQI level of 486.

As per SAFAR data, air pollution level at Gurgaon was also in 'very poor' category with AQI at 350.

On Friday, the overall pollution level in Delhi was recorded at 486 which includes other pollutants besides PM 2.5 particles. This was the worst air quality recorded in the city since November 14, 2019.

However, according to SAFAR, improved surface winds have helped to flush out accumulated pollutants.

On Saturday morning, the concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 microns clocked at 381 and 231 micrograms per cubic, both falling under the ‘very poor’ category respectively, according to Centre-run SAFAR.

While on Thursday, the national capital recorded the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles at 14 times over the World Health Organisation safe limit.

In Noida, the pollution level was even worse than Delhi with AQI going up to 610 as per SAFAR data, on the other hand, Gurugram recorded AQI at 462 on Friday. 

The air pollution levels recorded in Delhi and surrounding areas broke the record of this season. For the last 48 hours, the condition of these cities has been so bad that one cannot breathe properly. The pollution has also eclipsed Sun and there is no sunshine in Delhi.

There are six AQI categories, an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Meanwhile, The Supreme Court on Friday, asked the Centre to ensure there is no smog in the national capital and adjoining areas.

'There are many commissions, brains working, but ensure there's no smog in the city,' Chief Justice Bobde said.

Responding to CJI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the commission on air quality management has started functioning. 

Commission has been formed to fight air pollution in the National Capital Region.