Worst-Air Day Of Year: You Can See It... And Feel It

Thick Haze In Delhi As AQI Severe For 5th Day; People Complain Of Burning Sensation In Eyes

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

New Delhi: The capital recorded its worst air day till date this year on Monday with Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 477 in the “severe” category as thick haze engulfed the capital. People stepping out felt an itching or burning sensation in the eyes and throat. Prior to this, the highest AQI was 450 on Thursday, while a reading of 437 was recorded on January 1.

This is the fifth consecutive “severe” air day in the capital. Experts said low wind speed, low temperatures and a low boundary layer would continue for at least another 48 hours before some improvement could be expected from November 12 onward. The share of stubble burning in Delhi’s PM2.5 concentration was 38% with 3,257 fire counts being reported on Sunday.

Data from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Delhi-NCR’s pollution levels hovering around 6-7 times the standard. On Monday, the average PM10 levels were in the “emergency” range of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for 27 hours with a reading of 619 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) at 7pm. At the same time, the PM2.5 concentration was 399 μg/m3.