As Delhi Air quality worsens, NASA releases images of stubble burning in north India

New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, air quality index (AQI) in the national capital is on the brink of turning turned ‘severe’ and the overall air quality index of Delhi was recorded at 392, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. Even as the quality of air in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate with every passing second, farmers in neighbouring states burnt straw stubble which is left after grains like wheat and others have been harvested, show satellite pictures released by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Health advisory has been issued for public, asking them not to rely on dust masks for protection. It is also advised to Delhiites to avoid all outdoor activities and give a miss to morning walks. Keeping in mind the critical situation, authorities have banned construction activities along with halting operations of industries using coal and biomass as fuel between November 1 and 10, and are considering regulating use of private vehicles. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has recently issued the directions, which also included intensifying patrolling in 'hot spots' with ‘no tolerance for visibly polluting vehicles’, to government agencies following the orders from the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA). Air pollution experts, however, said the coming week will see high levels of particulate matter and toxic gases. The overall AQI of the national capital was 401, falling in the 'severe' category, the highest this season, Central Pollution Control Board officials said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) recorded the AQI at 410. Seeking respite from the current situation, an official told news agency PTI that the EPCA is even considering regulating use of private vehicles in the wake of an alarming rise in air pollution in Delhi. There are over 35 lakh private vehicles in Delhi NCR region. All industries using coal and biomass as fuel (excluding thermal and waste to energy plants) will remain closed in Delhi and NCR districts from November 4-10. Even the DPCC has directed the transport department and traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in Delhi and other NCR districts during November 1-10. Reports also stated that as many as eighteen areas in Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality with the highest AQI at 4 PM recorded at Anand Vihar at 467. Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Noida recorded 'severe' air pollution, crossing the AQI of 400. Greater Noida's air is also on the brink of turning severe, the CPCB data said.