Delhi’s air quality worsens despite stricter measures

New Delhi: Delhi is covered in thick haze as air pollution rises, making it hard to see across the city. The 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) is 373, which is in the 'very poor' category, up from 334 a day earlier.

Out of 40 air monitoring stations in the city, 15 recorded 'severe' pollution. Anand Vihar had the highest reading at 441, which is in the 'severe-plus' category. Most other stations showed 'very poor' air quality.

The AQI scale shows: 0–50 ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, 401–500 ‘severe’.

Transport is the biggest cause of pollution in Delhi, contributing 18.3 per cent. Industries add 9.2 per cent, homes 4.5 per cent, and construction 2.5 per cent. Other sources like burning waste, road dust, and power plants add small amounts.

Neighbouring districts also add to the pollution: Jhajjar 12.3 per cent, Sonipat 8.8 per cent, Rohtak 4.8 per cent, Jind 3.1 per cent, Bhiwani 1.4 per cent, and Gurugram 1.1 per cent.

Experts say air quality will stay 'very poor' on Friday and Saturday and may turn 'severe' on Sunday.