New Delhi, November 15: After the national capital witnessed a thick layer of fog and rising levels of pollution for days, the air quality in Delhi and its surrounding areas improved significantly on Thursday after light showers.  The overnight rains washed away bigger pollutants and brought some relief to residents. Reports inform that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most areas came down to ‘Unhealthy’ levels from Wednesday's ‘Very Poor’ reading.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of New Delhi recorded at 342 at around 9:09 am as compared to 419 on Wednesday. SAFAR said that air quality improved mainly due to sufficient rainfall which led to washing away bigger particles. The rainfall activity created space for faster dispersion without a decline in temperature.

"AQI is back to ‘very poor.’ It may recover further today. A slight increase in AQI is predicted next three days but is likely to remain in very poor,” SAFAR added. Reports inform that the AQI around Lodhi Road recorded PM 10 levels at 200 and PM 2.5 levels at 336. PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels around Delhi University are slightly higher with 259 and 345 respectively.Delhi Air Quality Deteriorates A Day After Diwali, Air Pollution at 'Hazardous' Level.

In the wake of the rising air pollution level, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has termed the situation as a health emergency. It stated that millions are at the risk of permanent lung damage and serious respiratory ailments. The NGT also formed a committee, headed by former Delhi High Court judge Justice S P Garg to check the causes of air pollution in Delhi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 15, 2018 05:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).