Delhi air quality again slips to 'hazardous' as rain traps pollutants

After receiving light showers, air pollution levels in the national capital have worsened due to an increase in the moisture.

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) recorded the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of New Delhi at 419 at 8:30 am as compared to 397 the preceding day at the same time.

"After the isolated shower in part of Delhi, a lot of moisture is introduced in the air to make it heavy and increased the holding capacity which will force AQI to go to "severe" category from evening until late night as the ventilation is also reduced," the SAFAR said on their website.

The morning temperature in Delhi was 21 degrees Celsius, with 75 per cent humidity and a wind speed of 10 km per hour.

The AQI around Chandni Chowk recorded PM 10 levels at 459 and PM 2.5 at 468, while PM 10 levels were 367 and 348 around Airport Terminal 3 and Delhi University area, respectively.

The residents of New Delhi have been battling air pollution for the last few weeks. The air quality deteriorated after Diwali, with pollution level entering 'severe' category.

Experts believe that emissions from the vehicles and industries and deforestation have worsened the air quality in the region over the last two decades. The residents have been advised to keep medicines handy as they may suffer from respiratory issues, fatigue, chest problem, eye irritation as a result of the presence of toxic elements in the air.

Medical practitioners have advised people to use artificial tear drops in order to deal with the increasing smog. They have also been advised to use face masks and avoid outdoor activities.

Taking a cognizance of the prevailing situation, a bench headed by National Green Tribunal (NGT) Charman Justice Adarash Kumar Goel, on Tuesday formed a committee in order to keep a watch on the activities leading to degradation of the environment.

The tribunal has appointed former Delhi High Court judge Justice S P Garg to oversee the working of the newly-formed committee.