The air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed a marginal but concerning decline on Saturday, with most areas remaining entrenched in the 'poor' category. Neighbouring cities Noida and Ghaziabad mirrored this trend, setting the stage for a predicted deterioration to 'very poor' levels over the coming week.
AQI Readings Show Worsening Conditions
Monitoring stations recorded a clear uptick in pollution levels. In Noida, the Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 242 from 229 on the previous day. Greater Noida also saw a slight increase to 239 from 238. The most significant jump was observed in Ghaziabad, where the AQI climbed to 262 from 239.
A closer look at specific sectors reveals a varied but largely grim picture. In Noida, Sector 1 recorded an AQI of 272, Sector 125 stood at 261, and Sector 116 at 260, all firmly in the 'poor' range. A slight respite was noted in Sector 62, which recorded a 'moderate' AQI of 191. Greater Noida's Knowledge Park V registered a 'poor' AQI of 262, while Knowledge Park III was at 216.
Ghaziabad presented more severe conditions in certain localities. Loni and Vasundhara entered the 'very poor' category with alarming AQI levels of 344 and 308, respectively. Sanjay Nagar recorded 234 ('poor'), while Indirapuram fared better with a 'moderate' AQI of 161.
Forecast Predicts Extended Spell of Very Poor Air
The situation is expected to worsen significantly. The air quality Early Warning System (EWS) from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has issued a stark forecast. The air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' category for the next six days. This prediction follows a day where Delhi's AQI deteriorated from 254 at noon to 267 by 4 PM, compared to 236 at the same time a day earlier.
Meteorological factors are contributing to the accumulation of pollutants. On Saturday, predominant surface winds blew from the west at speeds below 15 kmph during the afternoon, slowing to less than 5 kmph in the evening and night. For Sunday, similar calm conditions are expected, with winds from the west at less than 5 kmph in the morning, picking up slightly to under 15 kmph from the north-west in the afternoon, before slowing again after dusk.
Weather and Visibility Conditions
The region also experienced a slight dip in temperatures. The minimum temperature settled at 8.1 degrees Celsius, a notch above normal but lower than the previous day's 9.1°C. The maximum temperature was recorded at 17.3 degrees Celsius, which is two notches below normal. Morning visibility was reported at 850 metres due to shallow fog. While the local fog was not dense, several flights were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions in other parts of the country.
Residents of Noida, Ghaziabad, and Delhi are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory conditions, as the air quality is set to remain hazardous for an extended period.
