With AQI Of 256, Delhi Air Quality Improves Slightly From ‘Very Poor’ To ‘Poor’ Category

The AQI in the nearby areas of IIT was recorded at 266, at the T3 terminal of the airport at 290, and at the Lodhi Road area the AQI was logged at 249. 

Representational Image | Getty Images

New Delhi: The Air Quality Index of New Delhi was reported to be 256 showing slight improvement as it moved to the ‘poor’ category on Sunday morning, reported ANI. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research (SAFAR) portal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the AQI in the nearby areas of IIT was recorded at 266, at the T3 terminal of the airport at 290, and at the Lodhi Road area the AQI was logged at 249. 

According to the government agencies, an AQI measured between zero and 50 is considered to be in the ‘good’ category. An AQI between 51 and 100 falls under ‘satisfactory’ category , 101 and 200 is ‘moderate’, 201 and 301 is ‘poor’, 301 and 401 ‘very poor’ and AQI between 401 and 501 falls under the category of ‘severe’. 

In its daily bulletin, SAFAR said, “"For three days (12th, 13th, 14th), winds are likely to be low to moderate. Partially cloudy conditions and moderate mixing layer height causing moderate vertical mixing are likely to keep air quality within 'poor' during noon time or 'lower end of very poor' during the night and early morning hours for the next three days. From December 15 onwards, air quality is likely to improve due to relatively high wind speeds but within 'poor' or 'lower end of very poor' category.”

On Saturday, the AQI was recorded at 310 thus falling in the ‘very poor’ category. The Ministry’s portal issued advisory for the people belonging to sensitive groups to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion, do less intense activities and take more breaks. "Asthematics, keep medicine ready if symptoms of coughing or shortness of breath occur. Heart patients, see doctor, if palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue occurs," read the advisory.