Residents of Delhi awoke to a misty morning as air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) plummeted to the 'severe' category on Friday.
In the heart of the nation's capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) at Anand Vihar soared to 'severe' levels, with PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels reaching 500. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) was recorded at 76, within the 'satisfactory' range, while Carbon Monoxide (CO) registered at 113, categorizing it as 'moderate,' according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
At Bawana, both PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels reached a concerning 500, classifying the air as 'severe.' CO was reported at 113, in the 'moderate' range, while NO2 levels were relatively lower, falling within 'satisfactory' limits at 34.
Delhi Technical University (DTU) faced similar air quality challenges, with PM 10 levels hitting the 'severe' mark at 500, and PM 2.5 at 376, classifying it as 'very poor.' CO levels stood at 110, and NO2 was at 103, falling into the 'moderate' category.
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, a major transport hub, was not spared, as the AQI was labeled 'severe,' with PM 2.5 reaching 500 and PM 10 at 484. CO levels were at 104, categorizing it as 'moderate,' while NO2 remained 'satisfactory' at 37.
ITO, an important area in Delhi, experienced poor air quality, with PM 2.5 levels at 468 and PM 10 at 409, both classified as 'severe.' NO2 was notably higher at 148, and CO registered at 110, placing them in the 'moderate' range.
Lodhi Road witnessed an AQI of 464, characterized as 'severe,' with CO at 113, marked as 'moderate.'
The neighboring cities of Noida and Gurugram did not fare any better. Noida's AQI stood at 388, with PM 10 concentration at 377, both considered 'very poor.' Meanwhile, Gurugram's AQI was reported at 350, also 'very poor,' with PM 10 levels at 233, falling within the 'poor' category.
The air quality index ranges from 0 to 500, with values between 0 and 50 deemed 'good,' 51 to 100 'satisfactory,' 101 to 200 'moderate,' 201 to 300 'poor,' 301 to 400 'very poor,' and 401 to 500 'severe.' The deteriorating air quality underscores the pressing need for measures to mitigate pollution in the region.
(With agency inputs)
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