Noida, January 28: A much-needed respite has arrived in the National Capital Region (NCR) as gusty winds and intermittent showers over the past 24 hours have significantly improved air quality. After weeks of hazardous pollution levels, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in several Delhi-NCR areas has dropped noticeably, offering residents a breath of fresher air.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals a mixed but encouraging picture. While many Delhi neighborhoods remain in the ‘poor’ category, some have improved from ‘severe’ to ‘very poor’ or better.
In Delhi, AQI readings include Ashok Vihar at 318, Bawana at 329, Chandni Chowk at 332, Rohini at 326, Wazirpur at 335, Sonia Vihar at 338, and Vivek Vihar at 306. RK Puram and Siri Fort both clocked in at 301. Brighter spots emerged in Shadipur with 165 and CRRI Mathura Road at 186.
Noida’s sectors showed progress too: Sector-62 at 186, Sector-125 at 255, Sector-1 at 262, and Sector-116 at 235. In Ghaziabad, Loni stood at 320, but Sanjay Nagar delighted with 139, Indirapuram at 276, and Vasundhara at 258.
The weather shift isn’t over. IMD forecasts further drops in minimum temperatures: 12°C on January 28, plummeting to 8°C on January 29, and as low as 6°C on January 30 and 31. Maximums will hover around 19-20°C. Expect shallow fog on the 28th, transitioning to moderate fog through the 31st, though no alerts are active.
These winds and rains have dispersed stagnant pollutants, promising sustained partial improvements. However, experts caution that falling temperatures and rising fog could trap emissions again, potentially reversing gains soon. Residents should stay vigilant amid this temporary relief.