The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said.

The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

An official with the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the improvement in air quality can be attributed to increased speed of early morning winds.

"Early morning winds picked up, which came as respite and dispersed particles rapidly and pulled back air quality towards very poor range," the official said.

On Tuesday, the city recorded the worst air quality of the season after pollution level turned severe at 401, prompting authorities to ban construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10.

An AQI between 0 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'.

The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority are considering regulating use of private vehicles if the pollution level in the national capital deteriorated.

On Wednesday, the PM2.5 was recorded at 215. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10.

The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 370, according to the CPCB data.

On Wednesday, regional factors like stubble burning contributed to 22 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in the national capital, according to SAFAR.

Ten areas of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 23 areas recorded very poor air quality, according to CPCB data.

A thick pall of haze continued to engulf the national capital, and according to authorities would continue to hover over the city for the next three days. 
&nbsp;

The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said.

The national capital's air quality turned 'very poor', a day after recording 'severe' pollution, as wind speed picked up early morning and dispersed pollutants, authorities said. The overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 366 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). An official with the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said the improvement in air quality can be attributed to increased speed of early morning winds. "Early morning winds picked up, which came as respite and dispersed particles rapidly and pulled back air quality towards very poor range," the official said. On Tuesday, the city recorded the worst air quality of the season after pollution level turned severe at 401, prompting authorities to ban construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10. An AQI between 0 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'. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority are considering regulating use of private vehicles if the pollution level in the national capital deteriorated. On Wednesday, the PM2.5 was recorded at 215. Fine particulates can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10. The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at 370, according to the CPCB data. On Wednesday, regional factors like stubble burning contributed to 22 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in the national capital, according to SAFAR. Ten areas of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 23 areas recorded very poor air quality, according to CPCB data. A thick pall of haze continued to engulf the national capital, and according to authorities would continue to hover over the city for the next three days.

Delhi's air quality returns to very poor category after wind speed picks up: Authorities

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded as 366 on Monday falling under the very poor category.

The AQI in the city which was recorded at its worst of this season on Sunday saw a little improvement on Monday.

The overall Air Quality Index of the national capital on Sunday was recorded at 381, the highest of this season.

The air quality in Ghaziabad and Gurugram was recorded over 400 falling under the "severe category".

While the AQI in Ghaziabad was recorded at 415, that of Gurugram was 403.

The air quality in Noida and Greater Noida was recorded as very poor with 385 and 362 AQI respectively.

The severe air quality affects the healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, while the very poor air quality results in respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

An AQI between 0 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".

Authorities attribute the dip in air quality to localised factors like construction dust, vehicular pollution as well as regional factors like pollution due stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana. 
&nbsp;

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded as 366 on Monday falling under the very poor category. The AQI in the city which was recorded at its worst of this season on Sunday saw a little improvement on Monday.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded as 366 on Monday falling under the very poor category. The AQI in the city which was recorded at its worst of this season on Sunday saw a little improvement on Monday. The overall Air Quality Index of the national capital on Sunday was recorded at 381, the highest of this season. The air quality in Ghaziabad and Gurugram was recorded over 400 falling under the "severe category". While the AQI in Ghaziabad was recorded at 415, that of Gurugram was 403. The air quality in Noida and Greater Noida was recorded as very poor with 385 and 362 AQI respectively. The severe air quality affects the healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases, while the very poor air quality results in respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. An AQI between 0 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". Authorities attribute the dip in air quality to localised factors like construction dust, vehicular pollution as well as regional factors like pollution due stubble burning from Punjab and Haryana.

Delhi air quality still 'very poor'; Gurugram, Ghaziabad 'severe'

People residing in the national capital woke up to a hazy morning on Friday, a day when the region's Air Quality Index (AQI) was rated as 'Very Poor' at 343 by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research.

The AQI between 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 falls under the category of 'satisfactory', 101-200 is marked as 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 500 and beyond is considered as 'severe'.

The organisation has predicted that the air quality of Delhi will continue to remain in the 'very poor'category for the next three days.

In Gujarat's Ahmedabad too, the air quality has plummeted to 'poor' category.

SAFAR in its advisory has adviced people living in polluted cities to wear masks known as N-95 pr P-100 respirators. It has also advised people to avoid all physical activity outdoors and move activities indoors.

"Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed," he added.

In Mumbai, the air quality remained in the moderate category with PM 10 at 158.

Experts have predicted that for the next few days the air quality will remain in the same quality between 150 to 158 at PM 10.

If one looks closely, the effects of air pollution on health are vast and serious.

According to research conducted by Lancet Planetary Health, air pollution is not only the cause of respiratory diseases but can also trigger the onset of diabetes. The research further revealed that out of 7 every one new case of diabetes is caused by air pollution alone. It claimed that pollution contributed to 3.2 million new diabetes cases globally in 2016.

People residing in the national capital woke up to a hazy morning on Friday, a day when the region's Air Quality Index (AQI) was rated as 'Very Poor' at 343 by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research.

People residing in the national capital woke up to a hazy morning on Friday, a day when the region's Air Quality Index (AQI) was rated as 'Very Poor' at 343 by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research. The AQI between 0 to 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 falls under the category of 'satisfactory', 101-200 is marked as 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 500 and beyond is considered as 'severe'. The organisation has predicted that the air quality of Delhi will continue to remain in the 'very poor'category for the next three days. In Gujarat's Ahmedabad too, the air quality has plummeted to 'poor' category. SAFAR in its advisory has adviced people living in polluted cities to wear masks known as N-95 pr P-100 respirators. It has also advised people to avoid all physical activity outdoors and move activities indoors. "Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. If the air conditioner provides a fresh air intake option, keep that closed," he added. In Mumbai, the air quality remained in the moderate category with PM 10 at 158. Experts have predicted that for the next few days the air quality will remain in the same quality between 150 to 158 at PM 10. If one looks closely, the effects of air pollution on health are vast and serious. According to research conducted by Lancet Planetary Health, air pollution is not only the cause of respiratory diseases but can also trigger the onset of diabetes. The research further revealed that out of 7 every one new case of diabetes is caused by air pollution alone. It claimed that pollution contributed to 3.2 million new diabetes cases globally in 2016.

Delhi air quality remains 'very poor', unlikely to change

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days.

The Supreme Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday held a meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government officials to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital.

An EPCA member said the meeting took stock of the situation and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots in the city where poor or very poor air quality is observed.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 276, which falls in the poor category, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

However, data from the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research showed an AQI of 304, which falls in the very poor category.

An AQI between 0 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".

On Wednesday and Thursday, the air quality had deteriorated to the very poor category, alarming authorities who were planning to roll out more stringent measures to combat pollution.

A senior official said rainfall in parts of Delhi on Thursday improved the air quality, cleansing the air of pollutants.

But he warned that the air quality would worsen in the next couple of days, especially the PM2.5 level which is expected to deteriorate to dangerous levels.

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days.

Delhi's air quality improved Friday after rainfall lashed parts of the national capital, but authorities warned that pollution could increase to "dangerous levels" in the next couple of days. The Supreme Court appointed Environment Protection Control Authority (EPCA) on Friday held a meeting with Punjab, Haryana and Delhi government officials to discuss the pollution situation in the national capital. An EPCA member said the meeting took stock of the situation and it was decided that special attention would be given to vulnerable hotspots in the city where poor or very poor air quality is observed. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was recorded at 276, which falls in the poor category, according to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board. However, data from the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research showed an AQI of 304, which falls in the very poor category. An AQI between 0 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". On Wednesday and Thursday, the air quality had deteriorated to the very poor category, alarming authorities who were planning to roll out more stringent measures to combat pollution. A senior official said rainfall in parts of Delhi on Thursday improved the air quality, cleansing the air of pollutants. But he warned that the air quality would worsen in the next couple of days, especially the PM2.5 level which is expected to deteriorate to dangerous levels.

Delhi's air quality improves but authorities warn pollution may increase

Delhi Air inches towards severe category

Delhi: Air quality slips to 'very poor', worse days ahead

A cloud of dust hung over vast swathes of north Indian plains for the third day today, prompting authorities to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana as part of emergency measures to improve air quality, besides affecting flight services at Chandigarh airport.

In Uttar Pradesh, dust storms have hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, since Wednesday.

The air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air, the Central Pollution Control Board said.

The authorities have warned dusty conditions are likely to prevail for another 3-4 days and advised people to avoid staying outdoors for long hours.

Low visibility due to dusty weather conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from Chandigarh International Airport.

"No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said.

As the national capital region struggled with a "severe" dust pollution, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi till Sunday as part of emergency measures that also include intensifying mechanical road sweeping.

A thick blanket of haze has been enveloping Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the past few days.

The air quality in Delhi remained at "severe" level for the third straight day. According to the L-G office, civic bodies, public works department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to impose penalties on all road construction agencies for violating laid down norms for dust control measures.

The L-G tweeted that he held an emergency meeting in view of the "severe" dust pollution in Delhi with Environment Minister Imran Hussain and the officials concerned.

He said emergency measures such as stoppage of all civil construction activities till June 17 have been taken.

In a statement, the L-G office stated that the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and sub-divisional magistrates would strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in the national capital.

"Municipal Corporations and PWD will intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads," it stated.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director general and EPCA member Sunita Narain said that "severe plus" category has been imposed for dust pollution under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect till Sunday.

The EPCA's action plan, termed GRAP, has formulated five categories. These are severe plus or emergency, severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate.

The EPCA, a Supreme Court-appointed watchdog, had yesterday issued an advisory to chief secretaries of states in Delhi-NCR asking them to take "urgent steps" for controlling dust pollution.

Narain said, in pursuant to the advisory, a meeting was taken up by the chief secretary in Haryana late last night and they have also decided to shut down construction activities for that period with immediate effect.

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued advisory that no construction activities be carried out for the next two days in districts of Haryana falling under National Capital Region.

The HSPCB has also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days.

"Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with the PM 2.5 value crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM10 values," stated the HSPCB advisory.

A veil of dust spread over the plains of Uttarakhand for the second consecutive day today, reducing the harshness of the sun but adding to humidity levels.&nbsp

The MeT department said the haze resulted from strong winds, carrying coarser particles, blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab.&nbsp

The strong winds blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab have brought with them both dust and moisture affecting most of north India including Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, MeT office Director Vikram Singh said in Dehradun.

A spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh government said, "Fifteen people were killed in dust storm (since yesterday). Six died in Sitapur, three each in Gonda and Kaushambi and one each in Faizabad, Hardoi and Chitrakoot."

Besides, 17 people were injured in Sitapur and 11 in Faizabad, he said.

The weather department has warned that thunder squall is "very likely" at isolated places over the state tomorrow, while rain and thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are "very likely" at isolated places during the next two days.

In Uttar Pradesh, dust storms have hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, since Wednesday

A cloud of dust hung over vast swathes of north Indian plains for the third day today, prompting authorities to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana as part of emergency measures to improve air quality, besides affecting flight services at Chandigarh airport. In Uttar Pradesh, dust storms have hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, since Wednesday. The air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air, the Central Pollution Control Board said. The authorities have warned dusty conditions are likely to prevail for another 3-4 days and advised people to avoid staying outdoors for long hours. Low visibility due to dusty weather conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from Chandigarh International Airport. "No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said. As the national capital region struggled with a "severe" dust pollution, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi till Sunday as part of emergency measures that also include intensifying mechanical road sweeping. A thick blanket of haze has been enveloping Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the past few days. The air quality in Delhi remained at "severe" level for the third straight day. According to the L-G office, civic bodies, public works department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to impose penalties on all road construction agencies for violating laid down norms for dust control measures. The L-G tweeted that he held an emergency meeting in view of the "severe" dust pollution in Delhi with Environment Minister Imran Hussain and the officials concerned. He said emergency measures such as stoppage of all civil construction activities till June 17 have been taken. In a statement, the L-G office stated that the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and sub-divisional magistrates would strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in the national capital. "Municipal Corporations and PWD will intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads," it stated. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director general and EPCA member Sunita Narain said that "severe plus" category has been imposed for dust pollution under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect till Sunday. The EPCA's action plan, termed GRAP, has formulated five categories. These are severe plus or emergency, severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate. The EPCA, a Supreme Court-appointed watchdog, had yesterday issued an advisory to chief secretaries of states in Delhi-NCR asking them to take "urgent steps" for controlling dust pollution. Narain said, in pursuant to the advisory, a meeting was taken up by the chief secretary in Haryana late last night and they have also decided to shut down construction activities for that period with immediate effect. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued advisory that no construction activities be carried out for the next two days in districts of Haryana falling under National Capital Region. The HSPCB has also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days. "Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with the PM 2.5 value crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM10 values," stated the HSPCB advisory. A veil of dust spread over the plains of Uttarakhand for the second consecutive day today, reducing the harshness of the sun but adding to humidity levels. The MeT department said the haze resulted from strong winds, carrying coarser particles, blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab. The strong winds blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab have brought with them both dust and moisture affecting most of north India including Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, MeT office Director Vikram Singh said in Dehradun. A spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh government said, "Fifteen people were killed in dust storm (since yesterday). Six died in Sitapur, three each in Gonda and Kaushambi and one each in Faizabad, Hardoi and Chitrakoot." Besides, 17 people were injured in Sitapur and 11 in Faizabad, he said. The weather department has warned that thunder squall is "very likely" at isolated places over the state tomorrow, while rain and thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are "very likely" at isolated places during the next two days.

Cloud of dust hangs over north Indian plains, construction activities suspended

The Capital will have to deal with the hazardous smog for a few more days. The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data. 
 
Residential area RK Puram AQI stood at 241 while Punjabi Bagh at 273. With winter setting in, the smog is likely to continue and the experts state that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days with &#39;calm&#39; weather conditions not allowing dispersal of particulate matter easily.

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&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/925557090990485505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;The particulates in the air are not getting dispersed due to the lack of wind while a large gap between the natural temperature and dew point, at which water droplets begin to condense, are keeping the pollutants trapped and making them float in the air,&rdquo; CPCB&rsquo;s air lab head Dipankar Saha told PTI.&nbsp; 
 
The CPCB recorded an AQI (air quality index) of 351, which falls in the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category, on Tuesday. A &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; AQI comes with the warning that people may develop respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Exposure to &#39;poor&#39;air also has adverse health effects on healthy people as well those already suffering from respiratory illness.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data

The Capital will have to deal with the hazardous smog for a few more days. The Air Quality Index at ITO area stood at 317 on Tuesday which is considered as hazardous according to CPCB data. Residential area RK Puram AQI stood at 241 while Punjabi Bagh at 273. With winter setting in, the smog is likely to continue and the experts state that air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days with 'calm' weather conditions not allowing dispersal of particulate matter easily. #Delhi's RK Puram at 241 & Punjabi Bagh at 273 (Very unhealthy), ITO at 317 (Hazardous) in Air Quality Index — ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2017 × “The particulates in the air are not getting dispersed due to the lack of wind while a large gap between the natural temperature and dew point, at which water droplets begin to condense, are keeping the pollutants trapped and making them float in the air,” CPCB’s air lab head Dipankar Saha told PTI. The CPCB recorded an AQI (air quality index) of 351, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category, on Tuesday. A ‘very poor’ AQI comes with the warning that people may develop respiratory illness on prolonged exposure. Exposure to 'poor'air also has adverse health effects on healthy people as well those already suffering from respiratory illness.