Delhi continues to choke on ‘very poor’ air as AQI soars to 387; 13 areas of National Capital record ‘severe’ pollution

New Delhi: Delhi’s overall air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday, while pollution levels in some areas touched ‘severe’ levels due to low wind speed, authorities said. According to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR), the overall air quality index (AQI) in the city was recorded at 387, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. [caption id=“attachment_5590671” align=“alignleft” width=“300”]  Commuters in Delhi drive through heavy smog. PTI[/caption] Thirteen areas in Delhi recorded ‘severe’ air quality and 23 recorded ‘very poor’ air quality, according to data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Wednesday, the level of PM 2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 248, while the PM 10 level was recorded at 402, it said. According to SAFAR, the air quality in the national capital is expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next two to three days. “At present, winds are unfavourable for dispersion (of pollutants) but it may increase slightly to favour dispersion. Humidity is still high which is (also) unfavourable. Fire counts from stubble burning declined and will have a marginal impact,” it said in a report. Authorities are mulling inducing artificial rain to clear the toxic air but cloud seeding would require certain meteorological conditions which are currently not favourable.