Delhi air quality remains 'very poor'

New Delhi, November 30

Delhi's air quality remained in the very poor category on Tuesday even as the minimum temperature slipped to 9.8 degrees Celsius.

The 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) read 329. It stood at 389 on Monday. The city had recorded air quality in the severe category for three days on the trot.

Delhi had recorded a marginal improvement in air quality due to favourable wind speed. The neighbouring cities also saw some improvement in AQI compared to the readings the previous day, with some moving to poor from very poor.

Faridabad recorded 274, Ghaziabad 291, Greater Noida 272, Gurugram 346 and Noida 298.

An AQI between zero 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.

The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday said the minimum temperature in the morning was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity was around 88 per cent at 9.30 am.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality monitor SAFAR on Monday had indicated that favourable local surface wind speed on Tuesday is likely to bring slight relief.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday had said the ban on construction and demolition activities in Delhi would continue till further orders in view of the high air pollution levels.

The ban on the entry of trucks barring those engaged in essential services will continue till December 7, while CNG and electric trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi, Rai said after a review meeting with officials of the departments concerned. PTI