Delhi’s air quality rated ‘very poor’, triggers thick layer of smog
Several restrictions are in place, and more measures, such as the closure of schools, may be implemented if pollution levels continue to increase
The air quality in the Indian capital was rated “very poor” on Wednesday (October 23) with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 363. A thick layer of smog enveloped the city.
The monitoring station at Jahangirpuri registered a "severe" AQI Index at 418. The reading at Vivek Vihar was 407 and at Anand Vihar 402.
Pollution readings in Delhi
At 9 am, the AQI at Sonia Vihar was close to the "severe" category at 398. It was 396 at Wazirpur. Overall, the city's AQI stood at 363.
The city was covered in a thick layer of smog as almost all monitoring stations fell into the red zone, with more areas moving into the maroon zone of the Central Pollution Control Board's color-coded warnings.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.
Anti-pollution measures
Delhi is now under stage two of the anti-pollution measure Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Several restrictions are in place. More measures, including the closure of schools, may be implemented if pollution levels continue to increase.
Meanwhile, the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.5 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, three notches below the average for this time of year. The humidity level was 83 per cent at 8 am.