Air quality continues to remain 'poor' in Delhi over Diwali weekend

The air quality in New Delhi continues to remain in poor category over the Diwali weekend with major pollutant PM 2.5 and PM 10 landing at 256 and 249 in Burari as per the AQI data.

In Delhi University area, the level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were at 256 and 248. the Air Quality Index at Mathura road was 237.

An Air Quality Index between 0 and 50 is assessed good, and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor and 401 and 500 severe.

On Saturday, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research forecasted the air quality to worsen in coming days and the AQI is anticipated to be arround 324 because of Diwali.

After the increased pollution, Delhiites have whined about rise in respiratory issues and allergies. Crop debri burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the condition in Delhi worse. As per Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, stubble burning has gone up this year.

To control air pollution, Delhi government has announced the carrying through of the Odd-Even scheme from 4-15 November.