On Monday, the air quality in Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida deteriorated to the “very poor” category for the first time since Diwali, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The air quality index (AQI) readings were alarming, measuring 314 in Ghaziabad, 305 in Greater Noida, and 319 in Noida. Officials have warned that these levels are expected to persist in the coming days due to unfavourable meteorological conditions.
The decline in air quality has been primarily attributed to a combination of factors, including PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter from vehicular emissions, dust, the bursting of firecrackers, and the impact of stubble burning from nearby states. Utsav Sharma, a regional officer from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, noted that low wind speeds, particularly at night, along with dropping temperatures, are inhibiting the dispersion of pollutants, leading to higher AQI levels.
The CPCB categorizes air quality as follows: an AQI of 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and 401-450 is “severe.” Anything above 450 is classified as “severe plus.” With the current conditions, residents are urged to take precautions, especially those with respiratory issues, as the health impacts of prolonged exposure to poor air quality can be significant.