Delhi air quality toxic, to worsen further

New Delhi: The pollution levels in Delhi was found to be two times higher than the safe levels at noon on Wednesday. The air quality index (AQI) was 309. Experts said to check further deterioration authorities must act quickly against all emission sources.

As per System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (Safar) extended outlook, further deterioration in AQI of Delhi may start from the fourth week of October. As the AQI crossed the 300-mark, the AQI plunged to the very poor category for first time this season, two times higher than safe levels.

PM2.5 has deteriorated sharply to 131 in the very poor category. The PM 10 score at 241 is much better in the moderate category, according to pollution readings by Safar India.