Delhi air turns hazardous with AQI at 348 in Akshardham; here’s how other zones are faring

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Toxic smog continues to wreak havoc in the capital Delhi. The air quality index in areas like Anand Vihar and Akshardham has been recorded at 348, which has been recorded in the 'very poor' category. A layer of toxic smog has covered the entire city in Anand Vihar area on Friday morning. According to CPCB, the AQI of the area was recorded at 348. On the other hand, 348 AQI has been recorded in Akshardham area and 267 AQI at India Gate.

Although strong winds have brought some improvement in air quality in the capital, Delhi, the relief is proving to be temporary. The air quality remains in the "very poor" category, causing respiratory problems and eye irritation.

Last Thursday, Delhi woke to a hazy and light fog, with a thin layer of smog visible in the sky. The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded 304, which falls in the "very poor" category. By 3 p.m., PM10 concentrations were recorded at 251 micrograms per cubic meter and PM2.5 concentrations at 137 micrograms per cubic meter.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air quality is likely to remain in the "very poor" category until Sunday. This could cause problems for respiratory patients and also lead to eye irritation.

Pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) also remained concerning. Noida recorded an AQI of 308, Ghaziabad 302, Gurugram 293, and Greater Noida 285. All of these figures fall in the "very poor" category.

According to the Decision Support System for Air Quality Management in Delhi, among the various sources of pollution, vehicular pollution accounts for 13.74%, construction activities 1.89%, residential pollution 3.34% and peripheral industry 6.75%. According to the CPCB, the wind speed on Thursday was from the northwest direction at about 10 kilometres per hour.