The residents of Delhi witnessed a layer of haze and smog as the air quality continued to remain in ‘severe’ category on Friday morning. Many areas in Delhi and the National Capital Region reported air quality index (AQI) above 400 mark while the overall AQI in the national capital stood at 404, indicating ‘severe’ pollution levels.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, the average AQI in Anand Vihar was recorded at 447, RK Puram at 465, IGI airport at 467, Dwarka at 490. Ashok Vihar reported AQI at 414, Jahangirpuri at 450, ITO at 428, Mundka at 428, Okhla at 451, Pusa at 440, and Wazirpur at 468, according to the Central Pollution Control Board data.

Among the the National Capital Region (NCR) areas Noida recorded an AQI of 352, Greater Noida reported AQI of 314 and Gurugram at 444, on Friday morning.

The visuals from different areas across Delhi showed a layer of haze engulfed skies with bare to minimum visibility.

#WATCH | A layer of haze continues to cover Delhi this morning.

(Drone visuals from the area around Punjabi Bagh, shot at 7.40 am) pic.twitter.com/2309WaktZH— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023

#WATCH | Delhi: Air quality in ‘Severe Category’, drone visuals from Azadpur

(08:20 am) pic.twitter.com/0V0vRPlwFd— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2023

The air quality in Delhi continues to deteriorate after the firecrackers bursting on Diwali night and a surge in stubble burning in the neighbouring states. Meanwhile, the Delhi Government on Thursday formed a 6-member Special Task Force (STF) to ensure the strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV guidelines, which are already in force. The STF will also be performing other functions like coordination with the different departments and getting the reports to control the worsening air quality.

On the other hand, as on Friday, satellites showed 1,271 stubble burning incidents in Punjab, 46 in Haryana and 56 in Uttar Pradesh, reported the Times of India. In view of the persisting conditions in the city, the Air Quality Early Warning Systems for Delhi indicates that the air quality in the national capital is likely to remain at ‘very poor’ state from Friday to Sunday.

Also Read: Mumbai air quality continues to remain ‘moderate’; BKC, Navi Mumbai report poor AQI

(Edited by : Asmita Pant)

First Published:Nov 17, 2023 1:13 PM IST