Rain worsens pollution, Delhi's air quality in 'very poor' category

Delhi's air quality was recorded in the 'very poor' category after light rains slowed dispersion of pollutants and worsened the pollution situation in the national capital, authorities said Saturday.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall air quality index (AQI) of the city was at 332, which falls in the 'very poor' category.

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

The CPCB said 26 areas recorded 'very poor' air quality while six areas recorded poor air quality.

The level of PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 174 and the PM10 level 256, it said.

In the National Capital Region, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Greater Noida and Noida recorded 'very poor' air quality while Gurgaon, recorded 'poor' air quality, the CPCB data showed.

According to the Centre-run System of Air ...