Delhi’s air quality in ‘poor’ category ahead of Diwali celebrations

Even on Sunday morning, the air quality remained poor in the National Capital Region (NCR), with Delhi recording PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in the 110 ‘poor’ and 237 ‘moderate’ categories. While adjoining Noida, the AQI in the ‘Very Poor’ area stood at 311 and in Gurugram the AQI stood at 139 in the ‘moderate’ category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe.

SAFAR has advised vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, take more breaks and engage in less intense activities.

The forecasting agency said in an advisory, “Keep medicine ready in case of symptoms of asthma, cough or shortness of breath. See a doctor if heart patients develop palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual tiredness.”

Delhi government to control the air quality in the city banned Production, storage, sale and bursting of firecrackers this year as well as fine and jail term for violation.

Meanwhile, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday defended his government’s decision, saying that the priority of the Delhi government is to save lives and it is not interested in politics on the issue of firecrackers.

SAFAR had predicted that the air quality could deteriorate to “very poor” level even if crackers were not lit and if crackers were burst like last year, the air quality could reach “severe” level on Diwali night itself. may and may continue. Stay in the “red” zone for one more day.

The national capital breathed the cleanest air in seven years, recording an AQI level of 259. For context, the AQI level was 314 last year and 296 in 2020, a day before Diwali. In the days following the festival of lights, the air quality had deteriorated significantly. during the said period.

With input from agencies