Post-Diwali Delhi Air Quality decreases to 'very poor'; Mumbai breathes cleanest in 5 years

New Delhi : A day after India celebrated Diwali festival, Delhi's air quality has become very poor. The overall air quality index was recorded 306 in Delhi on Monday morning, reported news agency ANI.

Emission of firecrackers and stubble burning has contributed to the increase in poor air quality. It is expected that the air quality will get worse in coming days.

Interestingly, Mumbai recorded its cleanest air quality in five years as major pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 was recorded at 32 and 43 respectively, both in ‘Good’ category. Government's air quality monitor SAFAR has attributed the improvement in air quality to cyclone Kyarr which has been circulating over the Arabian Sea.

However in the national capital, air in Delhi turned ‘hazardous’ during Diwali with the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded 999 at Mother Dairy in Patparganj area.  At 11 PM yesterday, the pollution level at the National Malaria Institute, Dwarka was 763 with high number of PM 10 (tiny particulate matter of diameter 10 micron or less), the AQI data showed.

The AQI between 0 and 50 is considered safe, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor. At 301-400, its considered very poor and 401-500 falls in the severe category. The above 500 is severe as well as the emergency category.

To keep a check on the air pollution, the Delhi Government has announced the implementation of odd and even scheme from November 4 to 15.