Post Diwali, dense smog greets North India; pollution level reaches 'severe'

New Delhi [India], Oct. 31 (ANI): The air quality around Delhi and adjoining states recorded 'severe', due to incessant bursting of firecrackers, notwithstanding appeals by authorities as dense and heavy smog was palpable since early morning. The air quality Index for Delhi, was recorded 'Severe', 500 particulate matter, from Safdarjung, whereas 463 in Haryana, Sector-16, and Faridabad. Areas scattered across the megapolis saw alarming levels of pollution in the night, with Anand Vihar, RK Puram, Mandir Marg and Punjabi Bagh breaching all safety standards. According to the National Air Quality Index, air in 'severe' category affects healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseas The visibility levels were so low that around five vehicles collided due to dense fog at the DND flyover itself. However, no injuries were reported. Whereas the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Uttar Pradesh was recorded Hazardous, 658, around Talkatora in Lucknow. A forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department and SAFAR, stated that the wind speed was very low resulting in accumulation of pollutants close to the surface. The Delhi Government has reasoned the farm stubble burning in the adjoining states of Haryana and Punjab for the high pollution levels. The air pollution is measured by the particulate matter present in the air, where above 300 is reported as 'Hazardous'. (ANI)