Rain brings major relief in NCR, pollution drops significantly; many areas move into Orange and Yellow zones

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Recent rainfall across the National Capital Region (NCR) has brought major relief to people troubled by rising air pollution. Rain accompanied by strong surface winds in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and nearby areas has helped wash away a large amount of accumulated pollutants from the atmosphere.

As a result, a clear improvement has been recorded in the Air Quality Index (AQI), with several locations moving out of the Red Zone and entering the Orange and Yellow zones. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), partly to generally cloudy conditions prevailed in NCR from January 24 to January 26, while light to moderate fog was seen in several areas during the morning hours.

On January 24, the maximum temperature was recorded at 17°C and the minimum at 7°C, with surface wind speeds ranging between 10 and 20 kmph. The temperature is expected to be 18/7°C on January 25 and 19/7°C on January 26. IMD has also predicted very light to light rainfall on January 27, with temperatures likely to reach a maximum of 21°C and a minimum of 10°C.

The weather department said that due to moisture and rainfall, fog may persist in the mornings, but overall air quality is expected to improve further. AQI readings showed 248 in Indirapuram, 264 in Loni, 140 in Sanjay Nagar (Yellow Zone), and 299 in Vasundhara in Ghaziabad. In Noida, AQI was recorded at 229 in Sector-62, 280 in Sector-1, and 268 in Sector-116.

Several parts of Delhi also reported better air quality. AQI levels were 219 in Alipur, 300 in Anand Vihar, 290 in Ashok Vihar, 221 in Aya Nagar, 274 in Bawana, 262 at Burari Crossing, 313 in Chandni Chowk, 222 at CRRI Mathura Road, 294 at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, and 265 at DTU.

Experts say that rainfall helps settle pollution particles, temporarily cleaning the air. At present, the air in NCR remains relatively breathable. However, they cautioned that if rainfall and wind activity reduce, pollution levels may rise again.