Toxic Air Refuses to Ease in NCR; AQI Crosses 400 in Greater Noida and Ghaziabad

Noida (The Uttam Hindu): Air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to remain at dangerous levels. According to data from the Pollution Control Board and the Meteorological Department, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in most cities of Delhi-NCR has crossed 400, which falls under the ‘Severe’ category.

Air of this category is extremely harmful for people suffering from asthma, heart disease, and lung disorders, and it also poses serious risks to healthy individuals. The situation in Ghaziabad and Greater Noida is worsening rapidly. Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 430, making it one of the most polluted cities in the NCR.

In Ghaziabad, AQI levels across several monitoring stations were recorded between 404 and 438, marking the worst pollution levels of the season. Noida and Delhi are not far behind. In Noida’s Sector-125, Sector-1, and Sector-116, AQI readings ranged between 324 and 402.

In Delhi, areas like Anand Vihar, Bawana, Chandni Chowk, and Alipur recorded pollution levels between 350 and 426, making even breathing difficult. Despite hopes of relief due to seasonal changes, the India Meteorological Department reports that no significant weather change is expected in the coming days. There are no signs of stronger winds or rainfall.

In the upcoming week, the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 26°C, while the minimum may drop to 11°C, with dense fog likely on most days. Experts say cold and still air traps pollutants close to the ground, and fog thickens the pollution layer, which may push AQI levels even higher.

Health experts have advised people to avoid stepping outdoors unnecessarily, use masks, take special care of children and the elderly, and avoid morning and evening walks in open air. Government agencies and local authorities are also under pressure to take stricter pollution-control measures.