The air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) showed only marginal improvement on Sunday, with most areas continuing to grapple with 'very poor' pollution levels. Despite a slight dip in the Air Quality Index (AQI) values, the toxic haze persisted, posing significant health risks to residents.
AQI Readings: A Marginal Decline
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Noida recorded an AQI of 317, which is a minor improvement from Saturday's reading of 344. Similarly, Ghaziabad's AQI stood at 315, down from 343 the previous day. Both cities remained firmly in the 'very poor' category.
Greater Noida provided a sliver of relief as its air quality improved to the 'poor' category, with an AQI of 290, compared to 321 on Saturday.
Station-Wise Breakdown Reveals Localised Hotspots
A closer look at data from individual monitoring stations paints a detailed picture of the pollution crisis:
- Noida: Sector 125 (AQI 336) and Sector 116 (AQI 332) recorded 'very poor' air. Sector 62 was slightly better at 282 ('poor'). Data for the Sector 1 station was unavailable.
- Greater Noida: Knowledge Park V (AQI 328) had 'very poor' air, while Knowledge Park III (AQI 252) was in the 'poor' range.
- Ghaziabad: Loni was a major hotspot with an AQI of 367 ('very poor'), followed by Vasundhara at 328. Sanjay Nagar (AQI 298) and Indirapuram (AQI 268) were classified as 'poor'.
Delhi's Haze and the Forecast Ahead
The situation in the national capital mirrored its NCR neighbours. Delhi's air quality remained 'very poor', with the AQI fluctuating between 302 at 10 am and 317 by 8 pm. Forecasts indicate that the air quality is expected to stay in the 'very poor' range throughout the coming week, with no significant change in meteorological conditions likely to disperse the pollutants.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology reported that surface winds on Sunday came from the west at speeds up to 10 kmph. For Monday, winds are predicted from the northwest, with speeds potentially reaching 20 kmph in the afternoon before decreasing again.
A Stark Contrast to Last Year
The current pollution levels highlight a severe deterioration compared to the same day last year. On that date, Noida (AQI 179) and Ghaziabad (AQI 175) both enjoyed 'moderate' air quality, while Greater Noida (AQI 218) was in the 'poor' category. The comparison underscores the persistent and worsening nature of the region's annual air quality crisis.
