Many times over WHO limit, pollution in ‘severe’ category

The air quality in Delhi has once again deteriorated to very poor and hazardous levels due to factors like stubble burning and low wind circulation. Despite a ban on firecrackers, people celebrated Diwali with fireworks, causing severe pollution and raising the Air Quality Index to dangerous levels. The current AQI in various areas of Delhi ranges from 369 to 431, well above the WHO-prescribed limit. Although there was a slight improvement in air quality due to strong winds, experts predict that the situation will worsen again as winds calm down. The AQEWS has forecasted that the air quality will remain very poor until at least Tuesday, with some relief expected from November 5 onwards.