No improvement in Delhi’s air: AQI crosses 300 in many areas, snowfall in hilly states brings chill

The air in the national capital continued to remain ‘very poor’. An AQI of around 350 was recorded on Friday morning. Due to which there was mist in the sky. However, there is some relief today as compared to Friday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level in Delhi-NCR had crossed the AQI of 500 even above the ‘severe’ category on Friday morning. Talking about the adjoining areas around Delhi, the AQI was 346 in Gurugram out of 353 in Noida. To avoid its side effects, experts have advised burning camphor in the room and drinking water frequently.

Due to snowfall in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the temperature in Delhi has now started falling along with pollution. Because of which coldness was felt in the morning and late evening. The Meteorological Department has predicted a maximum temperature of 29 degree Celsius and a minimum temperature of 13 degree Celsius today. On Friday, the maximum temperature was equal to normal at 29.5 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature was 16.8 degree Celsius, three more than normal. Which is the highest in 11 years. Earlier in 2011, the mercury was recorded at 18 degree Celsius on this date.

The heat has just been felt in the capital Delhi.

Where and how much AQI in Delhi?
Around 9:30 am on Saturday, Delhi’s Dhirpur recorded AQI 306, AQI 313 at Lodhi Road, AQI 373 at Delhi Airport (T3) and AQI 341 at Mathura Road. Whereas, AQI 351 was recorded in Delhi University, AQI 334 in IIT Delhi, AQI 336 in Ayanagar.

NHRC strict about increasing pollution
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a strict stand regarding the increasing pollution and has asked to take strict steps on the cases of stubble burning in North India, especially in Punjab. The commission also said that incidents of stubble burning should be strictly banned. If the situation does not improve, Punjab may be fined heavily.

Difficulties may increase for those traveling in flight
Due to the increasing effect of pollution and dense smog, flights at Delhi airport may be canceled or delayed. This can increase the difficulties of air passengers. Delhi International Airport has appealed to people traveling by flights to get updated flight information before leaving their homes. However, no change has been made in the operation of flights so far.

The weather is likely to remain clear during the day.

Slight reduction in pollution due to change in wind direction
Due to the dust coming along with the west wind, the pollutant particulate in Delhi’s air had reached PM-10. Now the wind direction has changed. Coming from the southeast. Due to this, dust has also been cleared from the air of Delhi to a great extent, and the capital has got the cleanest air since October.

The effect of coolness in Delhi was visible on the people doing morning walk. Very few people were seen walking on Saturday morning.

Many restrictions are applicable in Delhi
The Delhi government has given some relaxation on Monday. But due to poor air condition, many restrictions are still in force. The movement of BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles in Delhi will be banned till 13 November. Brick kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers are not allowed to run. However, milk-dairy units and medicine-making industries-factories are exempted.

What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index gives information about the air. It tells how much quantity of which gases are dissolved in the air. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, an AQI between 51 and 100 is ‘satisfactory’, an AQI between 101 and 200 is ‘moderate’, between 201 and 300 as ‘poor’, an AQI between 301 and 400 is An AQI between 401 and 500 is considered ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’. Delhi has recorded a ‘very poor’ AQI between 301 and 400 this morning.