India, Nov. 17 -- Strong winds help lift AQI to 'poor' from 'severe'

The quality of air in Delhi and the National Capital Region improved sharply on November 17, 2019 to 'poor' category from the 'severe' prevailing for five days, mostly due to strong winds.

The air quality index (AQI) improved drastically to 215 at 4 PM on November 17, from 357 on November 16 and 458 on November 15.

The concentration of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10 in Delhi's air also saw a significant reduction. While PM10 was in the 'moderate' category at 170 microgramme per cubic metre, PM2.5 was in 'poor' category at 94. The levels were still higher than their prescribed safe standards at 100 and 60 respectively.

The strong surfa...