SAFAR (System of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research) has forecast that air quality may dip over the weekend due to incursion of moisture and fall in inversion layer which will keep pollutants trapped near the surface. The air quality index - at 363 - was in the 'very poor' zone. The EPCA said the measures can be lifted with immediate effect as the prevailing air quality does not warrant such tough action. However, if the conditions continue to improve and air quality stabilises, we will review the measures under the 'severe' category and inform you accordingly," EPCA chairman Bhure Lal wrote. NGT directed the Delhi government to submit data of ambient air quality in the city and said it would consider its ban on construction and industrial activity in the NCR on that basis.

Source: India Today November 17, 2017 00:11 UTC