Delhi air quality remained very poor, 5 areas record serious contamination: specialists

New Delhi, Oct 27 Delhi's air quality remained very poor for the fourth day Saturday with five territories of the national capital recording serious pollution levels, as authorities warned the situation may break down further one week from now because of localised emissions during festival and stubble burning.

The Central Pollution Control Board recorded the overall Air Quality Index of Delhi at 341. The most elevated AQI of this season was recorded on Friday at 361.

On Saturday, five regions in Delhi recorded extreme pollution levels. They are Anand Vihar, Dwarka Sector 8, Narela, Punjabi Bagh and Rohini. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest pollution level in the national capital at 434.

An AQI between of 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "serious".

As per the information by the Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research, the overall air quality index of Delhi would deteriorate in a few days, staying just focuses underneath the extreme class.

The CPCB-led task force has recommended stringent measures from November 1 to 10, foreseeing further deterioration in the air quality ahead of Diwali.

A portion of these proposals incorporate close down of coal and biomass plants, increase of review by transport department to check polluting vehicles and control control traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR during November 1-10.

Authorities have issued an advisory, asking people to avoid outdoor strenuous activities and minimise use of private vehicles.

The task force that at start of November the situation may further deteriorate on account of localized emissions during festival and regional contribution due to stubble burning.

The PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 179. The PM10 level (nearness of particles noticeable all around with a diameter of under 10 micrometers) in Delhi stood at 321, according to the data from the SAFAR.