Air quality nosedives to ‘severe’

  New Delhi: Delhi's air quality was recorded in ‘severe’ category on Saturday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 423, which falls in the ‘severe’ category. 

Twenty-four areas recorded ‘severe’ air quality and seven areas ‘very poor’ air quality, the CPCB said. In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida recorded ‘severe’ air quality, it said. 

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the air quality may improve in the next two days under the influence of light rains, which is expected thereafter.
 
“The overall air quality will deteriorate further, with small fluctuations in the next three days if it does not rain. Other meteorological conditions are not favourable, although foggy conditions are likely to reduce now,” the SAFAR said. 

It said the air quality will deteriorate further by Sunday to remain in the border of ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ and then it might start improving depending on rain.