NEW DELHI, Nov 8: Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 376 as a thick layer of smog reduced visibility.
The air quality was forecast to turn 'severe' on Monday following Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions and the peak stubble-burning season in neighbouring states.
Of the 59 monitoring stations that recorded data on Sunday, 12 reported 'severe' air quality and 22 recorded 'very poor' levels. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst AQI at 463.
The city's average AQI rose from 369 on Saturday to 376 on Sunday, close to the severe threshold of 400. The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said air quality was likely to remain in the severe category from November 9 for a few days.
PM2.5 was the predominant pollutant on Sunday, with firecracker emissions adding to particulate matter levels. The Decision Support System for Delhi projected that the transport sector would account for 19 per cent of the pollution, while stubble burning would contribute 3.5 per cent.
The Central Pollution Control Board classifies an AQI of 301 to 400 as 'very poor' and 401 to 500 as 'severe'.
