The air quality across key cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) continued to be unhealthy on Thursday, with readings firmly in the 'poor' category and several localities slipping into the 'very poor' zone. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) painted a grim picture for residents of Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida.
AQI Readings Show Widespread Deterioration
On Thursday, Noida recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 294, a slight increase from 288 on the previous day. Greater Noida saw its AQI at 290, showing a minor improvement from 298. However, Ghaziabad witnessed a clearer decline, with the AQI rising to 296 from Wednesday's 276.
The situation was more severe in specific sectors. In Noida, Sector 116 (AQI 313) and Sector 125 (AQI 302) both recorded 'very poor' air quality. Sectors 1 and 62 were in the 'poor' range. Similarly, in Greater Noida, Knowledge Park V (AQI 330) suffered 'very poor' air, while Knowledge Park III was 'poor'. Ghaziabad's Vasundhara (AQI 351) and Loni (AQI 330) were in the 'very poor' category, with Indirapuram and Sanjay Nagar recording 'poor' air quality.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
Meteorological factors played a key role in trapping pollutants. According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), predominant surface winds blew from the west at speeds below 15 kmph during the afternoon. Crucially, wind speed dropped to less than 5 kmph during evening and night, preventing the dispersal of harmful particles.
Visibility remained severely affected, dropping below 300 meters during morning hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe cold day conditions in the coming days. For Friday, the forecast predicts mainly clear skies with moderate to dense fog in the morning. Wind speeds are expected to remain low, below 5 kmph in the morning, increasing slightly to less than 15 kmph in the afternoon before decreasing again at night.
Administrative Response and Ground Reality
Keeping the plunging temperatures in mind, the district administration has established 13 night shelters across the region. These include facilities at Mamura Crossing in Sector 62, community centres in sectors 135, 21A, and 12–22, and in areas like Bilaspur, Dankaur, and Jewar.
Despite these measures, a gap in outreach was evident. Homeless individuals were still found sleeping near metro pillars in Sector 18. "No one informed me about the night shelter and hence I am staying here," said Sumit, a homeless man, highlighting the challenge of ensuring relief reaches all vulnerable citizens during the harsh winter and polluted conditions.
