Conflicting Air Quality Index (AQI) readings created confusion among residents of Delhi on Monday. While the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported an AQI level below 500 PM 2.5, Apple's Breezometer recorded levels exceeding 900 at certain locations in the city. The contradictory readings led to discrepancies in the assessment of air quality.
A dense and noxious haze, commonly known as 'smog,' enveloped Delhi and its neighboring areas on Monday morning. The occurrence followed the bursting of crackers on Diwali night, despite the Supreme Court's ban on fireworks.
According to the CPCB, Anand Vihar station was in the 'severe' category, with PM 10 at 500 and PM 2.5 at 488. The Bawana station recorded PM 2.5 at 456 (severe) and PM 10 at 341 (very poor). The Dwarka Sector-8 station had PM 2.5 at 444 (severe) and PM 10 at 308 (very poor).
At the Indira Gandhi International Airport T3 area, the air quality was 'severe' with PM 2.5 at 439 and PM 10 at 326 (very poor). ITO station recorded PM 2.5 and PM 10 over 500 in the 'severe plus' category, with NO2 at 89 and CO at 82 (satisfactory).
Jahangirpuri had PM 2.5 at 492 and PM 10 at 420 (severe), while North Campus Delhi University station recorded PM 2.5 at 500 and PM 10 at 416 (severe).
The conflicting readings highlight the challenge of assessing air quality accurately and the need for consistent and reliable monitoring systems.
(With Agency Inputs)
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