PM 2.5 Pollution In Areas Of New Delhi Hits 2018 High Of 654; Regional Index "Severe" At 450
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Data from the government’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, was an average of 449 on Monday, only slightly better than the 450 on Sunday.
The index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, or PM 2.5, that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can be carried deep into the lungs. The previous highest recording this year was 447 on June 15, when there was a dust storm. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy.
In some parts of Delhi, pollution levels hit 654 on Monday, among the worst recorded this year, and visibility in some parts of the city was just 200 meters, the weather department said.
Environmentalists said that inaction by the authorities was inexcusable and a concerted effort was needed to reduce pollution from vehicles and industry.
A man lights a bonfire on the banks of Yamuna river on a cold winter morning in New Delhi, India, December 24, 2018. “If this is not an emergency, then what is?” asked Delhi-based environmentalist Vimlendu Jha.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-pollution/indias-capital-chokes-as-pollution-levels-hit-the-worst-this-year-idUSKCN1ON0FM