Delhiites continue to breath toxic air as AQI remains in 'severe' category

The national capital on Tuesday recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 761, measured to be in the 'severe' category. 

Delhiites today woke up to extremely polluted air. The visibility in the city was reduced to 192 meters at 9 a.m.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) also put Delhi`s air quality under the 'severe' category. SAFAR said that pollutant PM10 is in severe category at 573 while PM2.5 pollutant reached 384 also in the severe category.

With the rise in stubble burning and the onset of the festive season, a spike in air pollution levels was observed in the Delhi-NCR region.

According to experts the increase in air pollution level has led to an increase of poisonous gases in the air. Due to this it's becoming increasingly difficult to breathe in the open.

This year, Delhi's air pollution in October was higher in comparison to last year. It must be noted that air pollution levels in October 2019 were lesser than this year despite the celebration of Diwali in the month. 

As per experts, the reason behind the 'toxic' foam was high phosphate content following the discharge of toxic industrial pollutants including detergents into the river.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe/hazardous.

To tackle the rising air pollution the Union government has approved the release of 2,200 crore rupees to fight air pollution in 42 Indian cities with a population in excess of a million. The money that will be used under the National Clean Air Programme to improve air quality in these cities.

(With IANS inputs)