Noida, March 7 – Air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) is sliding back into dangerous territory. After a brief respite from strong winds, pollution levels are climbing sharply across key areas. Fresh data reveals Greater Noida and Ghaziabad neighborhoods breaching the critical red mark on the Air Quality Index (AQI), signaling severe health risks.
In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park-5 recorded a staggering AQI of 331, firmly in the red category and hazardous for all residents. Nearby Knowledge Park-3 clocked 202, categorized as poor. Ghaziabad fares no better, with Loni at 312 and Sanjay Nagar at 301, both indicating grave conditions. Indirapuram and Vasundhara hovered around 273 and 271, respectively, in the very poor range.
Noida’s sectors are equally concerning. Sector-125 hit 278, Sector-1 at 262, and Sector-116 at 269—all very poor. Sector-62 managed 201, still poor. Delhi’s hotspots like Anand Vihar (278), Ashok Vihar (263), and Bawana (260) reflect the widespread issue, though Cantt (177) and Aya Nagar (197) offer slight relief.
Weather experts predict a heatwave ahead. Minimum temperatures will range from 16-17°C, with maximums climbing to 34°C by mid-week under clear skies and intense sunshine. This warming trend, coupled with slack winds, traps pollutants, experts warn.
Health advisories urge masks during morning and evening outings, especially for children and seniors. As urban India grapples with seasonal smog, authorities may soon enforce stricter measures to curb emissions.