Toxic air and cold wave double blow in NCR Greater Noida and Delhi among top polluted areas

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Air pollution in Delhi-NCR has once again reached a critical level. According to the latest data, Greater Noida continues to rank among the most polluted areas in the country. The Air Quality Index (AQI) across NCR, including Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, remains in the red zone, directly affecting daily life.

In Noida, AQI levels at all active monitoring stations are in the very poor category. Sector-1 recorded an AQI of 359, Sector-125 stood at 352, Sector-116 at 347, and Sector-62 at 342, indicating that the city’s air remains highly toxic.

Delhi’s situation is equally alarming, with AQI crossing 350 in several areas. Chandni Chowk recorded 384, Ashok Vihar 376, Bawana 373, Punjabi Bagh 386, Okhla Phase-2 383, and Pusa touched 399. Nehru Nagar reported an AQI of 397, falling under the severe category. Anand Vihar recorded 345, while Alipur stood at 332. Even areas like Mathura Road recorded an AQI of 259, which is still considered poor.

Ghaziabad is also struggling with pollution. Sanjay Nagar recorded an AQI of 312, while Indirapuram stood at 282, showing that the city is fully under the grip of polluted air.

Along with pollution, weather conditions have worsened the situation. The India Meteorological Department has issued a cold wave alert for NCR. On January 15, the minimum temperature dropped to 5 degrees Celsius, while the maximum hovered around 22 degrees. Dense fog is expected during mornings and may persist in some areas during the day as well.

Experts say that cold temperatures, low wind speed, and fog trap pollutants near the ground, keeping AQI levels in the red zone. Doctors have advised elderly people, children, and those with respiratory issues to avoid stepping out, wear masks, and skip morning and evening walks.