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BFF-39
AIR-POLLUTION-DELHI
Air pollution level becomes severe in New Delhi
NEW DELHI, Nov 13, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – The air pollution level in India’s
capital city New Delhi became severe Tuesday, officials said.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air
quality index (AQI) remained in severe category at 406.
“The AQI in Delhi at 1:00 p.m. (local time) today was recorded at 406,”
data released by CPCB said. “The air quality is severe and prominent
pollutants are PM 2.5 and PM 10.”
Health officials said severe air quality affects people’s health and
seriously impacts those with existing pulmonary diseases.
Meteorological department officials said a thick haze engulfed the
national capital during morning hours.
On Monday the air quality remained in the very poor category at 399.
The air quality in the capital plunged into “severe plus emergency”
category on Thursday after the Hindu festival of Diwali.
A thick blanket of smoke engulfed the city and outskirts Thursday morning
and people complained of difficulty in breathing and itching in the eyes.
The air quality worsened because of the rampant bursting of toxic
fireworks despite Supreme Court ban.
As per CPCB, AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, between 51-100
“satisfactory”, between 101-200 “moderate”, between 201-300 “poor”, between
301-400 “very poor”, and between 401-500 “severe” and beyond 500 is severe
plus emergency.
Efforts by authorities to contain the pollution by banning entry of trucks
in the city and stopping construction activities with its limits have yet to
show desired results.
Air pollution continues to worsen in New Delhi especially during winter
months.
BSS/XINHUA/FI/ 1434 hrs