Noida, February 23: Strong surface winds sweeping through Delhi-NCR have brought a much-needed respite from pollution, pushing air quality indexes (AQI) in several areas into the green zone. After days of lingering in orange and yellow categories, the region’s air is finally showing signs of recovery.
Data from Central Pollution Control Board monitoring stations reveals a marked improvement across Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Lodhi Road in Delhi recorded an AQI of 99, firmly in the green zone, offering clean breathing air to residents. Other areas like Mandir Marg (136), Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium (154), IIT Delhi (164), ITO (173), and Sector-62 Noida (164) remained in the satisfactory yellow zone.
However, some pockets continue to struggle. Anand Vihar clocked 274, Bawana 267, Mundka 261, Jahangirpuri 253, and Loni in Ghaziabad hit 284, all in the orange poor category. Indirapuram (237), Vasundhara (238), Ashok Vihar (236), Alipur (219), Chandni Chowk (204), CRRI Mathura Road (222), and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (217) also stayed orange.
In Noida, Sector-125 reported 230 and Sector-116 197, while Ghaziabad’s Sanjay Nagar was at 189 in yellow. Overall, winds have moderated pollution from moderate to poor levels in many spots.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts maximum temperatures around 30°C and minimums of 13-15°C on February 23 and 24, with mist expected. Stronger winds on February 25 could further enhance air quality. No alerts are in place, and experts predict continued improvement if winds persist, though rising temperatures hint at warmer days ahead. For now, NCR residents are breathing easier.