New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday and is expected to deteriorate further after bursting of crackers in the evening during the Diwali festival. The average air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 376, which falls in the 'very poor' category, amid a thick layer of smog and reduced visibility in the city.
The air quality is expected to reach 'severe' category on Monday due to bursting of firecrackers, smoke from vehicles and stubble burning at its peak in neighboring states during the Diwali festival. Of the 59 monitoring stations that recorded data, air quality was in the 'severe' category at 12 and 'very poor' at 22. The worst situation was recorded in Jahangirpuri, where the AQI stood at 463. The average AQI of the city was 369 on Saturday which increased to 376 on Sunday. This is not far from the 'severe' category limit of 400. The AQI has already crossed this level at several monitoring stations, indicating worsening air quality in the capital.
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, the air quality is expected to remain in the 'severe' category for a few days from November 9. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.
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