Delhi’s air quality in ‘very poor’ category for the first time this season

The air quality in Indian capital Delhi slid into the "very poor" category today for the first time this season as gentle wind and low temperatures allowed accumulation of pollutants.

According to the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences' Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, an increase in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring regions of Pakistan is also going to impact the air quality in Delhi and adjoining areas.

The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 304 at 9:30am local time today, which falls in the very poor category, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The 24-hour average AQI was 261 yesterday, the worst since February. It was 216 on Sunday and 221 on Saturday.

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 401 and 500 'severe'.

A senior scientist at the Delhi Pollution Control Committee said the dip in the air quality can be attributed to low wind speed and temperatures which allowed accumulation of pollutants.

Stubble burning has also increased in Punjab and Haryana.

Particulate Matter 10 levels in Delhi and adjoining areas stood at 300 microgram per cubic meter at 9:00am -- the highest this season so far, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. PM10 levels below 100 microgram per cubic meter are considered safe in India.

PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers and is inhalable into the lungs. These particles include dust, pollen and mold spores.