Indian capital air pollution turns severe

NEW DELHI, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Air pollution in the Indian capital territory Delhi turned severe Wednesday for the first time this season with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 439.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall AQI of Delhi was recorded at 439 on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. local time. The increase in pollution levels has been attributed to the drop in temperature and wind speeds.

"The air quality is likely to be in the severe category on Thursday and thereafter in very poor category from Friday to Saturday," a statement issued by the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi said.

The prominent pollutants are PM 2.5 and PM 10.

Experts say PM 2.5 are fine particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter and can travel deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs and entering the bloodstream.

Delhi is among the topmost polluted cities in the world.

Industrial activities and vehicular traffic are significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction. For the past many years, every year ahead of winter the air quality in Delhi has become hazardous.

The situation worsens due to the rise in emissions from stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, which increases the concentration of prominent pollutants much beyond the safety limits.