DPCC Data reveals Delhi breathes its Worst Air from Nov 1 to 15

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has conducted an analysis with the data collected over the last five years. The analysis showed that people in the national capital breathe the "worst" air between November 1 and November 15 every year. 

As per the data, "The capital’s average PM2.5 level oscillates between very poor and severe categories from October 16 to February 15. It records an average PM2.5 concentration of 285 micrograms per cubic metre from November 1 to November 15. PM2.5 level from 61 to 120 is considered moderate to poor, 121 to 250 is very poor, 251 to 350 is severe and more than 350 is severe plus." 

An environment department official said, "a major increase in pollution levels is seen from October 15 to November 1. The average PM2.5 level reach 285 micrograms per cubic meter from 80 micrograms per cubic metre."  

Further, he added, "all sources of pollution are active during this period. It is the time when stubble burning peaks. There is smoke from firecrackers and dust pollution. The main reason for the high air pollution level is waste burning because this is the time when Delhi records its lowest temperatures and festivals. Based on the data, the government will make interventions as part of the winter action plan to curb pollution."