In the National Capital Region (NCR), the Air Quality Index remained in the ‘severe’ category with Delhi having an AQI of 428 and Gurgaon with an AQI of 419. The air in Greater Noida was relatively better with AQI at 365 in ‘very poor’. ‘ Category.
The AQI levels across NCR are gradually coming down after a sudden spike a day after Diwali. The AQI in Noida declined from 475 on 5 November to 461 on 6 November and 446 on 7 November. In Ghaziabad too, the AQI declined from 470 to 466 and then to 455 in the last three days. Meanwhile, Greater Noida recorded maximum improvement in air quality as the AQI rose from 462 to 414 to 365 in the last three days.
Officials of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said the air is not improving as the minimum temperature has been falling over the past few days, pushing the pollutants closer to the ground. Pollution levels are highest during the night when temperatures are lowest.
“Contaminants usually get stuck in NCR around this time due to weather conditions. The Diwali spike coincides with a drop in temperature. Now we are recording high AQI from 8 PM till morning. The pollution level may drop once the weather conditions improve,” said Utsav Sharma, regional officer, UPPCB, Noida and Ghaziabad.
The weather forecast suggested that the situation would improve after Monday due to increase in wind speed. However, the wind direction will remain northwest. That is, coming from Punjab and Haryana. Officials said the pollution level will drop only if the incoming air is not already polluted. Officials said the wind speed will not benefit the NCR in case of high field fires and stubble burning.
Noida authority is now focusing on pollution mitigation measures. Water sprinkling has been increased in the city. Officials said both the areas have been covered and the number of water tankers has also been increased. Trips made by mechanical sweeping machines have also been increased.
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