Smog canopies Delhi; air quality remains under ‘severe’ category

New Delhi: A thick layer of smog blanketed the national capital on November 5. The air quality of Delhi took a major hit due to a combination of stubble burning, firecracker emissions and unfavourable meteorological conditions. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) data and System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), major pollutants in Delhi’s Lodhi Road area were PM 2.5 at 500 and PM 10 at 413 both in 'severe' category. Higher value of AQI indicates greater level of air pollution and health concern. Residents have complained of a spike in respiratory problems, allergies and other health issues. On November 1, the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) declared public health emergency in Delhi due to rising air pollution levels. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the AQI in ITO area is at 434 which reflects ‘severe’ category. The stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana makes the situation in Delhi even worse. To curb air pollution, the Arvind Kejriwal led-government in Delhi has announced the implementation of the odd-even scheme from November 04 to November 15.