No respite as air quality in Delhi remains in 'poor' category
Stubble burning in neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana is taking a toll on the city's atmosphere.
New Delhi: Air quality in the national capital remained in the poor category on Saturday as stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana continues to take a toll on the city's atmosphere.
According to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data, the air quality of Delhi's Lodhi Road area showed levels of prominent pollutants PM (particulate matter) 2.5 and PM 10 at 226 and 267 respectively.
An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "good", 51 and 100 "satisfactory", 101 and 200 "moderate", 201 and 300 "poor", 301 and 400 "very poor", and 401 and 500 "severe".
However, despite being prohibited from burning farm residue, farmers continue to do so due to the lack of feasible alternatives, blaming industries and vehicles for being the primary source for air pollution.
The National Green Tribunal has implemented strict norms on stubble burning. In order to curb the situation and find a better alternative, the Centre has also approved a large sum of money for modern tools and technology.