Toxic Air Quality Plagues Delhi-NCR as Temperatures Drop
Air quality in Delhi-NCR reaches alarming levels, with AQI surpassing 450, as temperatures begin to fall.
New Delhi, November 4 (Daily Kiran) : Air quality in New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) has deteriorated significantly, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 450 in several areas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that temperatures are dropping, with nighttime lows expected to reach 14 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
As of November 4, the sky is predicted to remain mostly clear until November 9. However, the air quality poses serious health risks. The AQI in various parts of Delhi has entered the ‘severe’ category, with readings of 450 in Jahangirpuri, 453 at IIT Delhi, 422 in Alipur, 421 at ITO, and 411 in Bawana.
Other areas, including Anand Vihar (302), Ashok Vihar (348), Aya Nagar (382), Burari Crossing (393), and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (411), also report poor air quality. Neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad are facing similar challenges. In Noida, the AQI has reached 426 in Sector 62, while other sectors report 351 in Sector 150, 349 in Sector 110, and 321 in Sector 39. Although some areas like Sector 125 (243) and Sector 116 (261) offer slight relief, they still fall under the ‘poor’ category.
In Ghaziabad, AQI levels are concerning as well, with readings of 304 in Loni, 308 in Sanjay Nagar, and 312 in Wave City. The rise in pollution levels in Noida is partly attributed to ongoing road construction, which has led to dust accumulation on the streets. This dust is exacerbating the already poor air quality.
Despite the alarming situation, neither the Noida Authority nor the Noida Pollution Control Board appears to be taking effective action to address the crisis. The IMD forecasts a maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15 degrees on November 4, with temperatures potentially rising to 29 degrees on November 5 and 6 before dropping again.
Residents of the NCR are now forced to breathe in toxic air. Medical professionals warn that this level of pollution is particularly hazardous for the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
