Delhi air quality to deteriorate as stubble fires increase: SAFAR

The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) has warned that the air quality of Delhi is likely to deteriorate due to stubble burning in its neighbouring states including Punjab and Haryana. It added that the further AQI will "marginally deteriorate" and stay at the moderate category for the next two days.

New Delhi: Delhi's overall air quality has been in the moderate category, but is set to deteriorate further in the coming days, due to stubble burning, SAFAR warned on Monday.

'A sharp increase in stubble burning fires observed on Sunday around Punjab, Haryana, and neighbouring border regions and boundary layer wind direction is favourable for transport as the ventilation coefficient decreases, stubble burning starts to impact Delhi in the coming days,' the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) said.

It said there will be a "marginal improvement" in Delhi AQI on Tuesday. However, further AQI will "marginally deteriorate" and stay at the moderate category for the next two days.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi's AQI at 3 p.m. on Monday has been 176. Average PM 2.5 level was 105 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Stubble burning causes a smog-like situation in Delhi NCR every year post autumn, creating a health hazard for its residents.

IANS