Delhi air quality takes a hit, thick smog covers sky

Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi took a hit on Friday as the concentration of the particulate matter -- PM 2.5 and PM 10 -- levels in the air shot up.

According to the AQI data, major pollutants PM 2.5 stood at 185 in the 'moderate' category and PM 10 at 201 in the 'poor' category in New Delhi's Lodhi Road area.

Thick smog was also seen blanketing the sky, thereby resulting in decreased visibility.

An AQI between 0 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".

The air quality before the festival of Dussehra was in "satisfactory" and "moderate" category. It apparently took a hit after an effigy of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnad were burnt along with the firecrackers on Dussehra which deteriorated the air quality.

Pollution is increasing not only in Delhi but also in NCR. On Saturday, according to Central Pollution Control Board, the air quality index was above 200 in many areas of Delhi--280 in Anand Vihar, 271 in Bawana, 271 in Sirifort, 213 in Lodhi Road and Punjabi Bagh area. 214 and Overall Delhi's Air Quality Index was 222.

According to environmental experts, the change in the wind direction is a big reason behind the increase in Delhi's air pollution.

Previously, the wind was blowing from the east, now the wind started moving from the west. The speed of this air is low and the moisture in it is high, hence the amount of pollutants in the air has also increased.

Speaking on pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said, "Pollution is a complex thing. It is not controlled by any institution or government. The Delhi government made many efforts to reduce pollution. Now the smoke has started coming to Delhi from the surrounding states. The smoke of the straw is coming to Delhi, there is an appeal to all the government and agencies that everyone should take action in this regard."

(With ANI inputs)