City records worst air quality as haze sets in

New Delhi: Delhi recorded its worst air quality of this season on Sunday as a thick haze engulfed the national capital which continued to grapple with deteriorating air quality.

The overall air quality index (AQI) of the national capital was recorded at 381 which falls in the very poor category, the highest of this season and just points below severe pollution level, according to  data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Twelve pollution monitoring stations located in various parts of Delhi recorded severe air quality while 20 stations recorded very poor air quality, according to data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

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.

A thick haze due to smog engulfed the national capital which recorded the worst air quality of this season, authorities said.

A CPCB-led task force has recommended to Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority implementation of stringent measures from November 1 to 10, predicting further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.

Some of these recommendations include shut down of coal and biomass factories, intensification of inspection by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR during November 1-10.

The task force also issued an advisory to the public, asking them to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise use of private vehicles.

The task force also warned that at beginning of November the situation may get further deteriorated on account of localised emissions during festival and regional contribution due to stubble burning.