Noida and Ghaziabad Suffocate Under Worst Air Pollution in 5 Years

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in Noida and Ghaziabad during October 2025 was the poorest in the last 5 years. Noida recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 236, while Ghaziabad logged 227 - significantly higher than the previous years.

Experts say the deterioration was likely due to a combination of factors. Ritesh Tiwari, regional officer of the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in Noida, noted that the buildup to Diwali celebrations, which fell in October this year, led to increased shopping, traffic, and fireworks - all major contributors to air pollution. Ankit Kumar, UPPCB's regional officer in Ghaziabad, added that unfavorable weather conditions, such as slow wind speeds, also caused pollutants to accumulate in the cities' air.

In response, the state government has directed officials in Ghaziabad, Noida, Bulandshahr, and Hapur to take coordinated action. This includes implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and organizing public awareness campaigns. Authorities are also deploying additional resources like mechanized road sweepers and night patrols in industrial areas.

Environmentalists, however, argue that the cities need more air quality monitoring stations to accurately assess the situation. Currently, Noida and Ghaziabad have only 4 stations each, compared to 39 in Delhi. With growing populations, vehicles, and industrial activities, they say the existing infrastructure may not provide a complete picture of the pollution levels.