New Delhi: The air quality in the National Capital Region was recorded in the “very poor” category on Sunday while Delhi’s AQI showed slight improvement as compared to Saturday. According to the data released by SAFAR, AQI in the national capital stood at 339 on Sunday, as compared to 381 on Saturday.


According to the Central Pollution Control Board. The improvement in air quality can be attributed to favourable wind speed and a dip in stubble burning. The AQI in Noida and Gurugram was also recorded in the “very poor” category. The AQI in Noida and Gurugram was 349 and 304 respectively.


"The wind direction will change frequently over the next few days due to back-to-back western disturbances. Hence, the net result will be very poor air quality," Mahesh Palawat, vice president of meteorology and climate change at Skymet Weather told PTI.


Air Quality Index from 0 to 100 is considered as good, while from 100 to 200 it is moderate, from 200 to 300 it is poor, and from 300 to 400 it is said to be very poor and from 400 to 500 or above it is considered as severe. The recurring problem of farm fires from the neighbouring states contributed 21 per cent to PM2.5 in Delhi, which was 34 per cent on Friday.


Noida Traffic Police Bans Entry Of Non-Essential Trucks, Cars To Delhi


Due to the rising air pollution levels in the national capital, the Noida Traffic Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory announcing restrictions on the entry of non-essential trucks and other vehicles into Delhi from its borders.


According to the advisory issued by the Police Commissionerate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, the restrictions will be from Chilla Border, DND and Kalindi Kunj border.


However, a diverted route for going to their destinations will be provided. Under the Graded Action plan, entry of all trucks except those providing essential goods or services or those running on CNG or electric power are prohibited from entering Delhi from Noida.


The entry of BS-3 (petrol) and BS-4 (diesel) light four-wheeler vehicles in Delhi from the Noida border will also be banned.


"Entry for diesel-powered medium cargo vehicles and heavy goods vehicles except those engaged in essential goods and services is prohibited," the advisory further added.


According to the advisory, as an alternative route, all these vehicles can use the Yamuna Expressway or the Eastern Peripheral Expressway via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway to reach their destination.


Farmers In Haryana Adopt Alternative Means To Manage Farm Residue To Prevent Stubble Burning


Incidents of stubble burning have come down in Haryana as farmers are adopting alternative means of managing agricultural residue. Farmers in Haryana's Rohtak opt for converting stubble into fodder, reducing the number of stubble-burning incidents in the state. "We will not burn stubble now. It led to pollution. The government is buying our stubble at Rs 5,000 per acre. We can now buy fertilizers and seeds with the money," a local farmer told ANI.


Curbs To Control Pollution Levels


The hazardous pollution levels prompted the Delhi government to announce on Friday that primary schools would remain shut from Saturday and 50 per cent of its staff will work from home, while private offices have been advised to follow suit.


A six-member panel chaired by the special commissioner of transport has been set up to monitor the implementation of curbs on anti-polluting activities. Revenue commissioners have been asked to prepare a plan for staggered timings of markets and offices.


CM Arvind Kejriwal had said the odd-even car rationing scheme would be implemented if the need arises and discussions on it were on.


(With Agency Inputs)