Delhi’s air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ levels

New Delhi, Dec 23 : Delhi continues to grapple with alarming levels of air pollution, reaching severe conditions.

In the morning, the air quality in the national capital on Thursday was categorised as very poor, but as of afternoon, it has further declined to the severe category.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) scale categorises levels from 0 to 500, with Anand Vihar breaching the severe threshold.

The persistent issue of poor air quality poses serious health concerns for residents, necessitating urgent measures to address the environmental challenges in the national capital.

At the Anand Vihar area, PM2.5 levels remained into the severe category standing at 500 and PM10 reached 495, and CO plummeted to 108, classified as moderate," according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The AQI between zero 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 Bawana station recorded alarming PM2.5 at 450 and PM10 at 398, both in the severe and very poor category, respectively.Although CO levels were marked satisfactory at 98.

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport T3 witnessed PM2.5 levels at 411 and PM10 at 323, both again falling under the severe and very poor category.The CO level was recorded at 111, maintaining a moderate rating.

ITOs monitoring station reported PM2.5 at 500, categorised as severe, while PM10 touched 458.CO levels were moderate at 127, with NO2 at 49, falling into the good category.

At the New Moti Bagh station, the air quality was severe, with PM2.5 at 465.

Okhla Phase-II recorded severe PM2.5 and PM10 at 454 and 420, in order.

spr/dpb