The air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) showed a slight but concerning decline on Monday, with all major cities firmly entrenched in the 'very poor' category. While Delhi saw a minor improvement, Noida and Greater Noida experienced a dip in air quality, painting a grim picture for residents.
NCR Cities Grapple with 'Very Poor' Air
On Monday, Noida's Air Quality Index (AQI) rose to 366, a significant jump from 327 recorded on Sunday. Its neighbor, Greater Noida, recorded an AQI of 332, slightly worse than Sunday's 329. Ghaziabad's air remained similarly toxic, with an AQI of 360, almost unchanged from 364 a day earlier. In the national capital, the 4 pm reading showed Delhi's AQI at 373, which was marginally better than the previous day's 377, but still firmly in the 'very poor' range.
Forecast Predicts No Immediate Relief
The Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi has issued a sobering forecast. It indicates that despite an expected increase in wind speeds over the coming days, the air quality is likely to persist in the 'very poor' category. The outlook from December 23 to 25 is 'very poor'. The forecast for the subsequent six days, from December 26, also predicts air quality in the same hazardous bracket, offering little hope for respite in the near term.
Area-Wise Breakdown and Meteorological Factors
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed the most affected localities. In Noida, Sector 1 was the worst hit with an AQI of 395, followed by Sector 116 (AQI 360) and Sector 62 (AQI 348). In Greater Noida, Knowledge Park V (AQI 349) and Knowledge Park III (AQI 315) recorded very poor air. Ghaziabad's Vasundhara area topped the charts with a severe AQI of 399, followed by Sanjay Nagar (343) and Indirapuram (340).
Meteorological data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) showed that the predominant surface wind on Monday was from the northwest, with speeds reaching up to 15 kmph in the afternoon before dropping below 12 kmph in the evening. For Tuesday, winds are expected to continue from the northwest, potentially increasing to 20 kmph in the afternoon. The day's maximum temperature was 21.8°C, with a minimum of 11°C, and morning visibility was severely reduced to below 150 meters.
