Delhi Pollution: Delhi residents get no relief from pollution; air quality remains in the 'very poor' category; know the AQI level.

Even on New Year's Day, people in the capital did not get any relief from the toxic air. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the air quality remained in the very poor category. After Thursday, Delhi's air quality was again recorded in the very poor category on Friday. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 321 on Friday morning. This falls under the very poor category. The morning began with a thick layer of smog and fog, resulting in very low visibility in many areas. People also experienced eye irritation, and those with respiratory problems faced difficulties.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the AQI in Alipur, Delhi, was 292, Anand Vihar 348, Ashok Vihar 316, Aya Nagar 235, Bawana 227, Burari 257, and Chandni Chowk 340.

Similarly, the AQI was recorded at 286 in DTU, 303 in Dwarka Sector 8, 219 at IGI Airport T3, 292 at ITO, 318 in Jahangirpuri, 284 at Lodhi Road, 324 in Mundka, 254 in Najafgarh, 292 in Narela, 308 in Punjabi Bagh, 319 in RK Puram, 315 in Rohini, 306 in Sonia Vihar, and 330 in Vivek Vihar.

Reasons for the deteriorating air quality:

According to environmental experts, the main reason for the persistently severe air quality is the weather pattern. The drop in temperature has led to a significant increase in pollution levels, and the Western Disturbance prevents the cold air trapped near the ground from rising. Pollutants such as vehicle exhaust and construction dust accumulate in this cold air. Since the pollutants cannot rise, they remain trapped very close to the ground. Also, when there is no rain and the wind is calm, this trapped pollution cannot dissipate, making the situation much worse.

What does the Air Quality Index indicate?

If the air is clean, it is represented by a value between 0 and 50 on the index. Satisfactory air quality is indicated when the index is between 51 and 100. A value of 101-200 means the air pollution level is moderate, while a value between 201 and 300 indicates poor air quality, and a value between 301 and 400 signifies very poor air quality. Air quality becomes severe in the 401-500 range. In such a situation, it is harmful to human health. It can be fatal for people already suffering from illnesses.