Air quality remains 'very poor' as smog engulfs national capital

New Delhi: The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital continues to remain at 315, which falls in 'very poor' category as the city is engulfed by a smog on Sunday morning.

The concentration of various pollutants in PM 2.5 and PM 10 category in the environment was recorded at 315 and 210 under "very poor" and "poor category" respectively, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

The Particulate Matter concentration, PM 2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller whereas, PM 10 denotes inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers or smaller.

As per the SAFAR forecast, the city's air quality will further deteriorate with AQI escalating to 326 in the "very poor category" on Monday.

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".

However, the AQI of Delhi's neighbouring cities of Noida also remained into the "very poor category" at 345 with PM 2.5 concentration at 345 and the PM 10 concentration at 207 under "very poor" and "poor category" respectively.

While Gurugram's overall air quality also deteriorated further and has an AQI of 319.

Delhi experiences smog on almost every winters as the cold air traps the dust and other pollutants already existing in the city's atmosphere.

Previously, schools, factories and construction sites were closed and other employers were instructed to work from home by authorities as a measure to protect people from the toxic haze.

-IANS Inputs