Delhi’s air quality remained in the "very poor" category on Saturday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 367. This marks a marginal improvement from the 373 recorded on Friday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Of the 59 monitoring stations operating across the capital, 17 reported air quality in the "severe" category, while 38 remained in the "very poor" range. The remaining four stations fell into the "moderate" or "poor" categories. PM10 was identified as the predominant pollutant affecting the city throughout the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) have indicated that air quality may see slight improvement over the next few days, aided by expected rain. Projections also suggest a decline in the concentration of particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, in the near term.
Data from the Decision Support System (DSS) identified the transport sector as the primary contributor to local pollution, accounting for 20.5% of the total, followed by stubble burning at 13.3%. Satellite monitoring by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s CREAMS Laboratory recorded 537 incidents of crop residue burning across six states on Saturday, including 246 in Madhya Pradesh, 214 in Punjab, 33 in Uttar Pradesh, 33 in Rajasthan, and 11 in Haryana.
Key facts
- The 24-hour average AQI for Delhi on Saturday was 367.
- Seventeen out of 59 monitoring stations recorded air quality as 'severe'.
- The transport sector contributed 20.5% to the capital's pollution, while stubble burning contributed 13.3%.
- A total of 11,342 farm fires were detected across six states between September 15 and November 13.
- The AQI scale classifies 'very poor' air between 301 and 400, and 'severe' air between 401 and 500.
Why it matters
Pollution levels in Delhi are closely monitored due to their impact on public health. Authorities and forecasting systems are currently looking toward upcoming weather patterns, specifically rain, as a primary mechanism to disperse pollutants and lower the concentration of harmful particulate matter currently affecting the city.
Source: Times of India
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