The AQI between 401 and 500 is categorized as severe (File)
New Delhi:
A thick layer of smog lingered over Delhi and its adjoining areas this morning as the pollution levels slipped into the severe category again after the numbers showed a marginal improvement on Wednesday.
The air quality index or AQI stood at 408 at 7 am as a result of farm fires in the neighbouring states and vehicular emissions. Both the factors are considered a major contributor to the air pollution in the national capital.
The AQI between 401 and 500 is categorized as severe, the worst band on the index.
As the Delhi is forced to breathe the toxic air, the AAP government advised people to work from home and used shared transport.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights urged the Delhi government to shut schools till air quality improves – which is under consideration.
Experts say the air quality in Delhi is worst between November 1 and November 15 because the stubble burning is at peak during this period.
Smoke from farm fires contributed to up to 32 per cent of the tiny PM 2.5 lung-damaging pollutants in the city’s air – the highest in the past two years during the period of mid-October to early November, according to data from the Ministry of Earth Science.
PM 2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream.
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