NEW DELHI, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- The air pollution level in Indian capital city - New Delhi Monday became severe, officials said.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air quality index (AQI) remained in severe category at 449.
"The AQI in Delhi at 2:00 p.m. (local time) today was recorded at 449," data released by CPCB said. "The air quality is severe and prominent pollutants are PM 2.5 and PM 10."
Local government officials said there has been no respite from severe air pollution in the capital for the second straight day.
On Sunday too the air quality was severe at 450.
"Wind speed and other meteorological factors remained highly unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants today for the second consecutive day," a meteorological department official said.
Health officials have advised people, especially those with respiratory illness, in Delhi to minimize outdoor exposure for the next three to five days.
Doctors say severe air quality affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing pulmonary diseases.
A CPCB-led task force has urged people to avoid using private vehicles and directed authorities to intensify ground action and enforce measures already in place, particularly to control emissions from vehicles and burning of biomass.
As per CPCB, AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", between 51-100 "satisfactory", between 101-200 "moderate", between 201-300 "poor", between 301-400 "very poor", and between 401-500 "severe" and beyond 500 is severe plus emergency.
Air pollution continues to worsen in New Delhi and it gets aggravated during winter months.
