Noida, February 26 – A welcome change has swept across the National Capital Region (NCR) as gusty winds over the past few days have dramatically improved air quality. Residents of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad are breathing easier, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) plunging into the ‘yellow zone’ – satisfactory to moderate levels – across multiple areas.
Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals a stark improvement. On Thursday, most Delhi neighborhoods recorded AQI below or around 200. Anand Vihar clocked 299, Bawana 269, Chandni Chowk 233, Ashok Vihar 212, and Burari Crossing 220. Other spots like Alipur (241), Aya Nagar (147), CRRI Mathura Road (171), Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (180), and Delhi Technological University (203) also showed reduced pollutant levels.
Noida saw similar gains, with Sector-125 at 197, Sector-62 at 163, Sector-1 at 159, and Sector-116 at 169, per Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and IMD figures. In Ghaziabad, Indirapuram registered 231, Loni 266, Sanjay Nagar 202, and Vasundhara 225 – all hovering in the moderate to lower poor categories, a clear upgrade from recent days.
Meteorologists attribute this relief to relentless winds dispersing stagnant pollutants. Forecasts predict light haze on February 26, persisting into the 27th and 28th. Temperatures will hover with a high of 31°C and low of 14°C today, rising slightly to 32°C/15°C tomorrow and 32°C/16°C on Saturday.
Experts caution that while winds are aiding cleanup, vigilance is key. Sensitive groups should monitor local AQI, as some pockets remain borderline. This natural intervention offers a breather amid NCR’s chronic pollution woes, underscoring the role of weather in urban air battles.