Overcast skies and a distinct layer of smog marked another highly polluted day in Delhi which saw further increase in the level of suspended particulate matter, with the average reading of PM 2.5 touching 204 microgram per cubic metre, keeping the air quality 'very poor'.
The air quality is expected to take a turn for the worse from tomorrow due to a combination of local and external factors including a dip in day-time temperature and a rise in moisture levels.
The average readings of PM 2.5 and PM 10, fine particles that can embed deep into the lungs of a person giving rise to respiratory ailments, were 204 and 340 microgram per cubic metre respectively, a senior IMD official said.
"The situation will persist at least for the next two days. The days will be smoggy as the the early morning shallow fog won't dissipate and instead mix with the smoke and pollutants," the official said.
But, as is the norm, the real time readings at various points of the day were much higher than the 24-hour average. For example, Punjabi Bagh had PM 2.5 and PM 10 at 285 and 455 at 6.50 PM while R K Puram's readings were 220 and 401 respectively as per Delhi Pollution Control Committee stations.
The corresponding safe limits are 60 and 100 respectively.
Prolonged exposure to 'very poor' quality air, which signifies PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels between 351 and 420, and 211 to 252 micro gram per cubic metre is very harmful.
The Central Pollution Control Board's real-time air quality index in places like Mandir Marg, Punjabi Bagh, RK Puram touched the 'severe' category at many points during the day.
SAFAR scientist Gurfain Being has attributed the sudden rise in the level of pollution, after a relatively moderate phase, to the north-easterlies, which he said is bringing along with it PM 2.5 particles from the Indo-Gangetic plains.
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Meanwhile in a meeting, Environment Minister Imran Hussain reviewed the action taken by various land-owning agencies for the prohibition of burning of garbage, dry leaves, waste, in the open and dust control measures at construction sites.
"The minister observed that though the agencies are taking action against the violators, there is pressing need to intensify inspections especially during on-going winter season when air pollution problem tends to aggravate with meteorological conditions of the city, as seen from past experience," an official statement said.
He also directed nodal officers of the departments to attend the next meeting along with Action Taken Reports on the complaints relating to pollution being received by them through Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) Whatsapp group and also through the Swacch Delhi App managed by the Urban Development Department.
