New Delhi: Two days after Diwali the Air Quality Index (AQI) deteriorates continuously crossing 400 mark on Sunday. At 8:30 am the average AQI in the national capital is above the ‘hazardous’ category. A thick smog has engulfed the entire city despite the efforts of the government to control it. The AQI in many areas was recorded above 500 which is 65 times the WHO limit.
In most parts of the city the AQI remains in ‘Hazardous’ and ‘Very poor’ category. The areas with high AQI mark include, Punjabi Bagh (408), Mundka (400), Wazipur (401), Ashok Vihar (407), Rohini (414), Jahangirpuri (400).
The AQI between 201 and 300 is considered ‘poor’, between 301 and 400 as ‘very poor’, between 401 and 500 as ‘severe’ and above 500 as ‘hazardous’.
Air quality ‘severe’ in these areas
Within 12 hours the AQI surged from 327 to 447 in Delhi. The AQI was recorded at 327 in most areas. After 8:30 the AQI crossed 500 mark in Anand Vihar area. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality is in ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ category in areas parts like Alipur, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Aaya Nagar, Burari, Mathura Road, IGI Airport, Dwarka, Jahangirpuri, Mundka, Narela, Patparganj, Rohini, Shadipur, Sonia Vihar, Wazipur, Mandir Marg, Nehru Nagar and Najafgarh.
After the Diwali celebration on Friday, the AQI touched ‘very poor’ category which has remained above 300 mark since then. The air quality has been deteriorating after Diwali, in many areas the AQI has even crossed 500 mark which comes under ‘hazardous’ category. This raises a serious health concern among the residents who are experiencing several ailments like breathing problem, throat pain, headaches, burning sensation in eyes etc.
