Delhi-NCR chokes as AQI crosses 400; authorities advise residents to wear masks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The situation in Delhi-NCR continues to be worrisome due to pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index in Ghazipur was recorded at 441, which falls in the 'severe' category. Due to heavy smog, visibility has reduced in many areas including Ghazipur. The pollution level in Faridabad is also worrying. The AQI in NIT area was recorded at 266, 245 in Sector 11 and 205 in Sector 30. PM 2.5 and PM 10 were the major pollutants here. Experts have advised people to spend less time outside and wear masks.

Breathing difficult in Delhi-NCR, AQI crosses 400 in many areas; people advised to wear masks while going out : When AQI is between 401 to 500, the air is considered in the 'severe' category, which significantly increases the risk of respiratory problems. This level is extremely harmful for children, elderly and people suffering from diseases like asthma. On Sunday, the air in Delhi reached near the very poor category. Amid mist and light fog in the morning, AQI was recorded at 391, which was 21 points higher than Saturday. Ghaziabad was the most polluted in NCR, where AQI was recorded at 437. Faridabad was the least polluted, but here too the air remained in the poor category (237).

According to the Air Quality Management System, vehicles contributed 18.45 percent to Delhi's pollution. Stubble burning contributed 2.47 percent, construction activities contributed 2.72 percent, and residential areas contributed 4.63 percent. At 3 p.m., PM10 levels were recorded at 373.3 micrograms per cubic meter and PM2.5 levels at 215.8 micrograms per cubic meter. It is estimated that the air quality may remain in the very poor category until Tuesday.

The AQI in some major areas of Delhi was as follows:

Wazirpur-459

Vivek Vihar-457

Rohini-453

Jahangirpuri-448

Bawana-443

Anand Vihar-438

Ashok Vihar-433

Narela-424

Mundka-422

Sonia Vihar-422

Punjabi Bagh-421