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Smog Shrouds Noida: AQI Hits 'Very Poor' Amidst Firecracker Chaos
8 Nov
Summary
- Noida's AQI remained in the 'poor' to 'very poor' category Saturday.
- Firecracker use intensified pollution levels, pushing AQI higher.
- Experts predict pollution to worsen to 'severe' range post-Diwali.
Noida and the broader Delhi-NCR region grappled with dense smog on Saturday, as pollutant levels remained stubbornly high. Despite daytime sunshine and increased wind speed, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Noida hovered around 297 in the 'poor' category, similar to the previous day's 'very poor' reading. As firecrackers were burst throughout the day and intensified in the evening, pollution levels climbed further, with the average AQI reaching 307 by 8 PM.
Several monitoring stations recorded concerning levels, with Sector 62 in Noida reaching a 'severe' AQI of 410. Greater Noida saw a slight improvement, with an average AQI of 281 ('poor'), down from 'very poor' the previous day. Ghaziabad's average AQI also rose to 277 ('poor'), with Loni experiencing 'very poor' air quality at 322. Delhi and Gurgaon reported 'very poor' AQI at 369 and 345 respectively.
Experts anticipate a significant worsening of air quality in the coming days, potentially reaching the 'severe' range (above 400). This prediction is based on high emissions from local and regional sources, increased firecracker usage, and unfavorable meteorological conditions, including calm winds. The Supreme Court's allowance for green crackers only during specific hours is expected to be widely flouted, contributing to the anticipated pollution surge.
