Air quality deteriorates in Noida and Greater Noida

Noida: The morning after Diwali in Noida and Greater Noida became tough for the residents due to high rising air pollution. Pollution reached a hazardous level. Residents are complaining of suffocation and irritation in the eyes.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Noida and Greater Noida have spiked to an alarming level. On Saturday, 13:00 the AQI of Noida, Sector 62 was 387, which is categorised as hazardous. In Sector 1, 125, the situation was the same, the air quality index of both are is categorised as hazardous, the AQI is 314, 323 respectively.

According to aqicn.org, in Sector 116, the AQI was 273, which is categorised as very unhealthy. In knowledge park III and Knowledge park V, the AQI is 179, 169 respectively, which is categorised as unhealthy.

Despite the banning of firecrackers by the government on Diwali, fireworks were observed. In cities like Noida and Greater Noida, fireworks are not the only sources of pollution. As per residents, the lack of public transport compels people to take out their vehicles which adds to the pollution. The construction sites are also one of the major contributors to the pollution in these cities.

Rajiva Singh, NOOFA president said, “It is very unfortunate that year on year, we go through the same ordeal of extremely poor AQIs in the NCR region. Polluting vehicles and construction dust are major contributors. And with the meteorological challenges of slow winds and drop in temperature, these four winter months convert the NCR region into a gas chamber."

He added, “Respiratory sufferings increase. Itchy throat and watery eyes are common side effects. Long term exposures are of a much more serious nature. To add to the miseries, stubble burning in farming states does further damage. Diwali crackers add to the deteriorating air quality.”

“The days immediately after Diwali are ruthless, especially in this post-Covid era when several people are still recovering from lung infections. What is needed are strong measures throughout the year like penalties for defaulters who are generating pollution, more smog towers, planting trees, EV more on roads, use of public transport,  cycling tracks for works, e cycles etc,” exclaimed Rajiva

Puneet, a resident of Sector 168, Noida said, “The air quality has deteriorated drastically which isn't good for the health of residents, the precautionary measures need to be taken as soon as possible so that this doesn't become worrisome going forward situation.”

As gathered by Central Pollution Control Bureau, AQI in Noida as per 5:26 pm is 469 in Sector 116, 452 in Sector 62, Noida and 421 in Knowledge Park 3 Greater Noida.