Delhi-NCR Chokes on Smog as Pollution Levels Plummet

Strategic Insights -

Residents of the National Capital Region are waking up to hazardous air quality as pollution levels have spiked in the past 24 hours. Stagnant winds, plummeting temperatures, and exhaust from traffic have pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) to critical levels. Ghaziabad recorded the worst air quality in the country, with Delhi, Gurugram, and Greater Noida following closely.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR rose sharply to 324, placing it in the 'very poor' category, with Ghaziabad recording the worst levels in the country.
  • Noida, Delhi, Gurugram, and Greater Noida had AQI values at 324, 268, 258, and 248, respectively, all in the 'poor' category as of 4 pm on October 18.
  • Faridabad recorded a comparatively better AQI of 190, falling in the 'moderate' range.
  • Experts from the Air Quality Early Warning System forecast that pollution levels will worsen further after Diwali, reaching the 'severe' category on October 21 in case of enhanced emissions from firecrackers.

Statistics:

  • AQI in Ghaziabad: 324 (very poor category)
  • AQI in Noida: 324 (very poor category)
  • AQI in Delhi: 268 (poor category)
  • AQI in Gurugram: 258 (poor category)
  • AQI in Greater Noida: 248 (poor category)
  • AQI in Faridabad: 190 (moderate category)
  • Forecasted AQI for October 18: poor category
  • Forecasted AQI for October 19: upper end of the poor category
  • Forecasted AQI for October 20: upper end of the very poor category
  • Forecasted AQI for October 21: severe category (in case of enhanced emissions from firecrackers)

Sources:

  • Central Pollution Control Board
  • Air Quality Early Warning System
  • United News of India (published by HT Digital Content Services)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (provider of the article)