Delhi air remains 'very poor', cold and fog likely to increase

Delhi: As snowfall is being seen in the mountains, similarly winter havoc has started in the plains. A thick layer of fog has taken over Delhi NCR since the beginning of this week. While people are facing a lot of trouble in commuting due to the dense fog, the pollution level in Delhi NCR also remains in the very poor category.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index of 331 on Wednesday (December 21, 2022) while on Tuesday (December 20, 2022) the AQI was 382. A day before this, on Monday (December 19, 2022), the average air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 410, making the air of Delhi 'severe'.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the wind speed will remain in the range of four to ten kilometers per hour during the next three days. Cold and fog are likely to increase further due to this. Due to this, the dispersion of pollutant particles will slow down and the air quality level is likely to remain in the very poor category. As the wind speed increases, there is hope of some relief in pollution.

It is to be noted that 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 as 'severe'.