Delhi chokes on 'very poor' air even as wind speeds pick up

New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Monday despite stronger daytime winds, data from pollution monitoring agencies showed.

At 4 p.m., the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) stood at 314, marginally worse than Sunday's reading of 308, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Poor dispersion of pollutants persisted even as westerly winds with speeds of up to 20 kmph prevailed over the capital during the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast stronger surface winds on Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 25 kmph during the day.

Air quality is expected to remain in the 'very poor' category until Thursday and could deteriorate further to the 'severe...