Post-Diwali pollution in Delhi likely to be lower than last 3 years: SAFAR

The post-Diwali pollution levels in Delhi are likely to be the lowest as compared to the past three years as favourable wind speed would possibly negate the impact of firecracker emissions and stubble burning, according to a government air quality monitor.

Although Delhi's air quality is predicted to touch the "severe" mark in the early hours on Monday, the peak level of PM2.5 is likely to be the lowest in the past three years, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said in a special report on Diwali.

Favourable speed of surface winds will greatly help in dispersion of pollutants, it said.

PM2.5 is particulate matter equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These tiny particles can enter deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream.

Last year, the overall air quality index post-Diwali was recorded in the "severe plus emergency" category at 642. In 2017, the AQI was recorded at 367, while it was 425 in 2016.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered ...