New Delhi: The air quality index in Delhi-NCR has crossed the critical level of 400 under the “severe” category. After this, the Air Quality Management Commission has banned all construction work here by implementing stage 3. The commission has kept important departments, railway stations, metro, hospitals, airports etc. out of these restrictions.
Levels of the PM2.5 fine particles was 215 micrograms per cubic meter on Saturday evening, showed real-time figures from the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ SAFAR, or System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research.
“Air quality is likely to deteriorate further and remain within ‘upper end of very poor’ or ‘lower end of severe’ for next three days as fire counts are increasing significantly with favorable strong upper level wind flow,” SAFAR said.
Work from home advised
The air quality in Delhi is at its highest index this season. The air quality index on Saturday worsened from 354 on Thursday, 271 on Wednesday, 302 on Tuesday and 312 on Monday.
The Commission has further directed authorities in the National Capital Region to immediately implement restrictions under stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The commission has appealed that if possible, do work from home or use transport means that do not cause air pollution.
Use public transport
The commission has appealed that people should use public transport or share rides. Apart from this, you can also use a bicycle or walk. If your work is not affected then you can also do work from home. Do not burn wood or coal as a substitute for fuel.
Avoid morning walk for time being
Delhi-NCR’s air is in very poor category after Diwali, which is affecting the health of the people here. According to experts, for the time being, avoid taking a walk in the early morning. Wear a mask and spritz water on your surrounding areas once or twice a day.
