Delhi's air quality slipped to 'very poor' category on Sunday due to an increased pollutant-holding capacity of air after rainfall a few days back, authorities said. The Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR) said the overall air quality index (AQI) on Sunday was recorded at 326, which falls under 'very poor' category. The air quality is expected to remain in the same category with a gradual increase for the next three days as wind speed is slow and humidity is high, it said. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data showed the overall AQI at 299, which falls in the 'poor' category. According to data provided by the apex pollution control body, 20 areas in the city recorded 'very poor' air quality while 13 recorded 'poor' air quality. The PM2.5 particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres level was recorded at 163, while the PM10 level was recorded at 306, according to CPCB data. Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida and Greater Noida recorded 'poor' air quality while Gurgaon recorded moderate air quality, the data said. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The SAFAR, in a report, said Delhi's air quality is fluctuating between poor and very poor and it is expected to be in the very poor category in the next two days."Wind speed is quite good for dispersion of pollutants which is keeping pollution in check," its said, adding, "Fire counts from stubble burning declined significantly and hence have negligible impact." Delhi's air quality showed significant improvement on Wednesday and Thursday after rain washed away the pollutants but the rainfall also led to increased air capacity to hold pollutants, the SAFAR said.

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