New Delhi: There is no relief from pollution in Delhi. The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category with an overall AQI standing at 330, according to the latest estimates updated by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
Chandni Chowk most polluted area
SAFAR estimates updated at 7.30 am on Wednesday showed Chandni Chowk as the most polluted area in the national capital with an AQI of 377 in the 'very poor' category. While, Dhirpur Road, Delhi University and Indira Gandhi International Airport (Terminal-3) registered an AQI of 323, 334 and 372 respectively again in the 'very poor' category.
Similarly, PUSA Road, Lodhi Road, IIT-Delhi and Mathura Road registered 'very poor' air quality with an overall AQI of 302, 307, 312 and 365 respectively.
According to SAFAR, AQI between the range of 51 and 100 is considered as 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 falls under the category of 'poor'. While 300-400 is considered as 'very poor', levels between 401-500 fall under the 'hazardous' category.
SAFAR forecast
"The overall Delhi AQI was in the lower end of the 'very poor' category on February 11 morning. Under the influence of a fresh Western disturbance surface, wind speeds are forecast to increase for the next three days. SAFAR model suggests an improvement in AQI to the lower end of the very poor category for Wednesday. Further improvement in AQI to the 'poor' category is expected for February 13 and likely to continue in the poor on February 14," SAFAR forecast said.
'Very poor' air in NCR
There is no relief from pollution in NCR too. Noida registered a 'very poor' quality category with an AQI of 370 while Gurugram recorded an AQI 323 in the 'very poor' category on Wednesday morning.
Poor air impacting health
Generally, the poor air quality causes itching in the eyes as well as breathing problem especially for those suffering from asthma. The bad air also impacts throats, nose and causes other respiratory problems. Doctors generally suggest avoiding unnecessary outings when air quality deteriorates. Senior citizens who are exposed to poor air for a long period of risk contracting lung disease.
Blame game on Delhi pollution
The newly-elected Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier blamed neighbouring states for the rise of pollution in the national due to stubble.
In November last year, the Supreme Court had asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to immediately stop stubble burning. The apex court had also criticised Delhi, Centre and state governments for not taking immediate steps to curb pollution in Delhi.