Delhi air sees improvement, quality remains 'severe' however
What's the story
Delhi's pollution level remained 'severe' for the second day, as a thick haze engulfed the national capital, even as the authorities said there was a significant improvement in the air quality as compared to yesterday.
The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 426, which falls in the 'severe' category, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
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Forecast
Air quality likely to improve by Saturday: SAFAR
The Center-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said Delhi's air quality has "improved significantly" but the recovery was slow due to low surface wind speed.
"At present, it continued to be in 'severe' but is likely to improve further and will become 'very poor' by afternoon and will improve further by Saturday," a SAFAR official said.
Data
AQI: What are the different levels of Air Quality Index
An Air Quality Index (AQI) between 0 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'. AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe-plus emergency' category.
Details
Contribution to PM2.5 pollution due to stubble emission marginal
The contribution of PM2.5 in PM10, which was 75% yesterday (against the normal 55%), has been reducing, said SAFAR.
It also said that the contribution to the PM2.5 pollution due to the stubble emission from Punjab and Haryana was marginal.
Twenty-eight areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality, while four areas recorded 'very poor' air quality, according to the data of the CPCB.
Data
PM2.5 recorded at 272 gm-3, PM10 at 422 gm-3 today
Today, the PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) level was recorded at 272 gm-3 and PM10 (diameter of less than 10 micrometers) level was recorded six times the permissible limit at 422 gm-3, according to SAFAR.
Diwali blast
Pollution from firecrackers pushed Delhi AQI to 'severe plus emergency'
According to the data by SAFAR, the overall AQI yesterday was recorded at 642, in the "severe plus emergency" category, due to smoke emitted from firecrackers.
The sharp spike in pollution on Thursday was caused by the rampant burning of firecrackers that had led to the formation of a smoky layer across the national capital and drastically reduced visibility, authorities said.