Sirsa records highest air quality index of 403, Delhi logs 299
The concentration of highly polluted cities across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi highlights the growing air quality challenge in northern India.
On Wednesday morning, Sirsa in Haryana recorded the highest air pollution level among northern cities, with an air quality index (AQI) of 403, placing it in the severe category. Delhi, on the other hand, recorded an AQI of 299, which falls into the poor category, according to India's official mobile application developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CPCB classifies AQI readings of 401-500 as severe and 201-300 as poor. While healthy people may experience respiratory effects even at severe levels, those with existing health conditions could face more serious impacts. At poor air quality levels, prolonged exposure may cause breathing discomfort, particularly for people with respiratory conditions.
The CPCB also classifies AQI levels 0-50 as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 301-400 as very poor, and 401-500 as severe. Currently, Stage 3 of the graded response action plan (GRAP) is active in Delhi-NCR, which includes a ban on BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel or below-emission-standard four-wheelers, and dust-generating construction and demolition activities.
Cities like Chhawla, Chandni Chowk, IIT Delhi, and North Campus in Delhi recorded high AQI levels, while Anpara in Uttar Pradesh recorded an AQI of 318.
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