In pictures: Delhi's air improves but don't heave a sigh of relief just yet

The Environment Ministry is likely to come out with its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) next month, which proposes multiple strategies to combat air pollution

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The air quality in Delhi and neighbouring areas improved slightly on Friday after plummeting to 'severe' level on Tuesday. The overall air quality index was recorded at 375 on Friday morning which falls in the 'very poor' category, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

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In Delhi, the overall PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 217 against the safe limit of 60. The PM2.5, also called 'fine particulates', are a more serious health concern than PM10. In NCR, barring Noida and Gurugram, there was a marginal improvement in PM2.5 and PM10 levels.

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The marginal improvement came after the environment panel imposed curbs on some industries amid forecasts that pollution may worsen. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), which is monitoring the pollution levels, announced restrictions on construction activities, hot mix plants, coal and biomass-based industries, brick kilns and stone crushers in the NCR. It added that it could also restrict the movement of private vehicles and entry of trucks to Delhi, if needed. The state pollution control bodies have been directed to initiate criminal prosecution against violators.

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Due to the poor air quality in the National Capital, BCCI has come under criticism for scheduling a Ranji Trophy fixture in Delhi where Mumbai batsman Siddhesh Lad had to bat wearing a breathing mask on Thursday, as he was suffering from breathing problems.