Home / Environment / Rain Offers Fleeting Air Quality Relief in NCR Cities
Rain Offers Fleeting Air Quality Relief in NCR Cities
26 Oct
Summary
- Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida saw improved air quality due to rain.
- Pollution levels are predicted to worsen back to 'poor' starting Monday.
- Unmanaged construction and road dust are identified as key pollution sources.
Air quality in Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida improved to the 'moderate' category on Sunday following rain and gusty winds. This improvement, however, is anticipated to be temporary, with a return to the 'poor' air quality category predicted for Monday. The western disturbance that brought rain on Saturday night helped wash away some pollutants and disperse others.
Forecasters predict a decline in air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) over the next three days. Cooler nights, reduced wind speeds at times, and a more stable atmosphere are expected to cause pollutants to accumulate. The specific sources of pollution vary, with PM10 being a primary concern in Greater Noida and both PM2.5 and PM10 contributing significantly in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Environmental experts point to poorly managed construction sites and road dust as major contributors to pollution in central Noida. Residents have also raised concerns about trucks transporting soil and construction materials through residential areas, potentially due to builders accelerating work before stricter Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III restrictions are imposed.
