Delhi's air quality recorded in severe, rainfall may bring respite

Delhi's air quality was recorded in severe category Saturday due to reduced wind speed even as authorities have forecast rainfall in the next couple of days which they said might lower the pollution level.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was 423, which falls in the 'severe' category.

An AQI between 100 and 200 comes under the 'moderate' category, 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', while that between 401 and 500 is 'severe'.

Twenty four areas recorded 'severe' air quality and seven areas 'very poor' air quality, the CPCB said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida recorded 'severe' air quality, it said.

The overall PM2.5 level - fine particulate matter in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers - in Delhi was recorded at 287, while the PM10 level was at 443, the CPCB said.

The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather ...