City continues to choke

New Delhi: Delhi on Thursday witnessed thick smog, with Air Quality Index (AQI) turning 'severe' by evening. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, area like Anand Vihar, Dwarka sector – 8 and Nehru Nagar were at 428, 404 and 410.

On the other hand, areas such as Alipur (344), Ashok Vihar (397), DTU (379), ITO (387), Lodhi Road (324), Punjabi Bagh (372) and Sirifort (356) remained in 'very poor' category. An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered "poor", 301-400 "very poor" and 401-500 "severe".

Delhi, that witnessed blue sky past couple of days, was again sorrounded by bad air quality, which experts say is due to the extreme low wind speed. "Winter is a major factor for this, as pollutants stay at the surface during this season," said Vikram Tongad, an environment activist.

Meanwhile, Environment Ministry's SAFAR has predicted that even though there has been an increase in stubble burning activities that has increased from last week, ther ehas been so significant impact on the national Capital. "Though fire counts are relatively high — 1011 — as compared to last week the stubble level winds are easterly not favorable for plume intrusion and today stubble percentage share estimated as just 5 per cent and tomorrow also no significant stubble impact is expecting to Delhi," predicted SAFAR.

Doctors, meanwhile have advised people to wear masks while stepping out. Doctors have also revealed that many people have also complained of eye burning, to which they have been advised to wash eyes with cold water and in extreme cases visit clinics.

However, the condition is likely to improve by November 23 afternoon to 'very poor' category, since a strengthening of surface winds is forecasted owing to the passing of western disturbance, said a report by SAFAR. Further improvement of AQI towards the lower end of 'very poor' by November 24 is expected.