Air pollution level in Delhi still hazardous, trains cancelled, schools reopen

NEW DELHI: As the national capital reels under heavy smog, the city on Monday continued to breach the 'severe' conditions of air pollution levels.

Trains services have been disrupted. As many as 69 trains were delayed while 22 were rescheduled and eight got cancelled due to the blanket of smog that enveloped Delhi.

Schools have reopened after being closed due to severe smog conditions in the city. Students were seen wearing masks. Teachers said, 'collective efforts must be made, closing schools not a solution'.

According to latest Air Quality Index (AQI) figures, the following are the levels of PM 2.5 in various parts of the city.

Mandir Marg - 523

Anand Vihar - 510

Punjabi Bagh - 743

Shadipur - 420

As per the AQI, the levels fall under the 'Hazardous' category.

Earlier on Sunday, the pollution levels skyrocketed in Delhi which environmental agencies consider unfit for inhalation even by healthy people.

The pollution monitoring authorities said there may be some respite from Monday evening as surface winds will gain momentum.

SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) said there is possibility of rains in the evening of November 14.

However, experts said rain brings temporary relief, but also leads to accumulation of particulates due to high levels of moisture.

(With PTI inputs)