Delhi: Air pollution spikes; smog envelops Capital

Pollution shot up on Wednesday, October 25, to a four-month high in Delhi, enveloping the national capital in a haze due to unfavourable weather conditions, including a dip in temperature and low wind speed that combined to trap toxic pollutants in the air, according to experts.

According to sources, the level of particulate matter, including dust, shot up in Delhi. On Wednesday, October 25, the level of PM10 (coarse dust particles) shot up to 382.5 micograms per cubic metre which is 3.8 times above the daily permissible limit of 100.

According to weather analysts, low winds over Delhi are saving the national capital from ill-effects of stubble burning in the neighbouring state. However, north-westerly winds from Punjab and Haryana, where farmers are burning the paddy residue, will reach within two-three days, aggravating pollution in Delhi.

"Delhi may see north-westerly winds in the next two days. Currently, the humidity is low. Lower morning temperatures mixed with pollutants form haze, resulting in a spike in the pollution levels," said Mahesh Palawat, director private weather forecasting agency Skymet.

The permissible limit of PM2.5, the major pollutant is 60 units as per national standards.

Meanwhile, Mundaka in Outer Delhi was most polluted with AQI of 448 or severe at 5pm. Among other areas with severe air quality were Dwarka sub-city, Rohini, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Narela, Nehru Nagar, Sonia Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Wazirpur, Mathur Raod and Noida sector-125.

Meanwhile, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) issued advisory to avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity early morning and after sunset.