NEW DELHI: Since the farm fires have started rising in the neighbouring states and the wind direction is expected to become favourable for transporting the smoke from Saturday, the air quality is likely to turn “poor”. The overall air quality index (AQI) of the capital was “moderate” at 130 on Thursday. According to Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which follows the standard protocol 2021 that was notified by Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, 120 paddy residue burning events in Punjab and 15 in Haryana were recorded on Thursday. Track the pollution level in your cityThe farm fire count was 104 in Punjab on Wednesday and 45 on Tuesday. Only four fires were reported in Haryana on Wednesday, none on Tuesday. IARI’s data shows that the cumulative stubble burning counts from September 15 to October 13 are 987 in Punjab, 102 in Haryana, 80 in Uttar Pradesh and two in Delhi. Gufran Beig, founder project director of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, said, “The impact of stubble burning on Delhi’s air is currently negligible. However, the farm fires have started rising and depending on the wind direction and speed, it is likely to affect the air quality of the national capital from October 15.” According to Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, a central forecasting system, the air quality is likely to deteriorate, but remain “moderate” on Friday. It may fall into the “poor” category on Saturday and remain there on Sunday. It is likely to remain largely in the “poor” to “moderate” categories in the subsequent six days. The season’s first “poor” air day was recorded on October 5 with an AQI of 211 after a gap of 102 days. However, strong winds and rain helped in cleaning the air. Before this, Delhi recorded a “poor” day on June 25 with an AQI of 230 before the onset of monsoon.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/farm-fires-taking-effect-aqi-likely-to-turn-poor/articleshow/94844917.cms