Air pollution level becomes severe in Delhi

NEW DELHI, Nov 13 (Xinhua): The air pollution level in India's capital city New Delhi became severe on Tuesday, officials said.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall air quality index (AQI) remained in severe category at 406.

"The AQI in Delhi at 1:00 p.m. (local time) today was recorded at 406," data released by CPCB said. "The air quality is severe and prominent pollutants are PM 2.5 and PM 10."

Health officials said severe air quality affects people's health and seriously impacts those with existing pulmonary diseases.

Meteorological department officials said a thick haze engulfed the national capital during morning hours.

On Monday the air quality remained in the very poor category at 399.

The air quality in the capital plunged into "severe plus emergency" category on Thursday after the Hindu festival of Diwali.