February 20, 2023
NEW DELHI – The air quality in Delhi remained in the ”very poor category” for the second consecutive day with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city recorded at 312 on Sunday afternoon.
The air quality in the National Capital is likely to improve from February 21 onwards.
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”.
Both the major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at 312 (“very poor” category) and 199 (“moderate” category), respectively, in the city on Sunday.
According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI at Lodhi Road was reported 290 or “poor”, Pusa reported 304 or “very poor” and Mathura Road was most polluted at 358 or “very poor” category.
As per the IMD due to a change in wind direction to south-easterly, there has been an increase in moisture affecting air quality.
The Met officials said the wind speed suddenly slowed down from February 16. However, the air quality will remain in the ”very poor” category till Monday, but significant improvement is expected from Tuesday.