NEW DELHI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The air quality in Indian capital city New Delhi and outskirts, known as the national capital region (NCR), has begun to improve as the level of pollutants is declining, officials said Wednesday.
"The declining trend in Delhi and NCR was recorded from Sunday afternoon and continues even today," a senior official at Central Pollution Control Board said. "With the improvement in weather conditions there is every likelihood pollutants will be dispersed leading to further improvement in the air quality."
According to officials the pollution level on Wednesday morning declined from severe to the very poor category with air quality Index recording 388.
The Meteorological department officials said the visibility remained at 1,500 meters during early morning.
Meanwhile, Delhi government has extended ban on the entry of trucks in the national capital until further orders in wake of fluctuating levels of air pollution.
The federal environment ministry has asked all government agencies to maintain the highest level of alertness and continue their efforts to check pollution.
The states adjoining Delhi were asked to take steps to prevent stubble burning and generate awareness among the farmers about its adverse impact.
Deadly blanket of smog is enveloping the Indian capital city since the beginning of last week.
The smog chocks air causing breathlessness and lung difficulties, besides badly affecting the visibility.
Delhi is considered to be the most polluted city in the world. Last year the city's high court described the capital as "gas chamber."
Air pollution is a leading cause of premature death in India. Pollution in Delhi gets aggravated during winter months. Ahead of winters people burn agricultural waste to clear cropland, which contributes to the choking of already polluted air.
