Air Quality in Uttar Pradesh Deteriorates to "Severe" Levels Ahead of Diwali

Strategic Insights -

Air quality in several cities of Uttar Pradesh has sharply deteriorated ahead of Diwali, with at least four cities recording higher pollution levels than the national capital, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The situation is expected to worsen on Diwali night due to firecracker emissions and stagnant wind conditions. Environmental analysts warn that the NCR pollution crisis has spread deeper into western UP, where industrial activity, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning are compounding the problem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The air quality in Ghaziabad, Noida, Hapur, and Baghpat has deteriorated to "Very Poor" levels, surpassing Delhi's AQI of 296, which is classified as "Poor".
  • The CPCB classifies AQI between 0-50 as Good, 51-100 as Satisfactory, 101-200 as Moderate, 201-300 as Poor, 301-400 as Very Poor, and above 400 as Severe.
  • The data shows that Greater Noida (287), Bulandshahr (261), Meerut (251), Muzaffarnagar (237), and Kanpur (201) are all classified as Poor, indicating a worsening trend.
  • Environmental analysts warn that the NCR pollution crisis has spread deeper into western UP, where industrial activity, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning are compounding the problem.
  • Officials have appealed to residents to avoid bursting crackers and to use public transport where possible.
  • The Air Quality Index is hovering close to the Severe mark in parts of the region, sparking growing concern.

Statistics:

  • Ghaziabad's AQI is 333, classified as Very Poor.
  • Noida's AQI is 329, classified as Very Poor.
  • Hapur's AQI is 306, classified as Very Poor.
  • Baghpat's AQI is 300, classified as Poor.
  • Delhi's AQI is 296, classified as Poor.
  • Greater Noida's AQI is 287, classified as Poor.
  • Bulandshahr's AQI is 261, classified as Poor.
  • Meerut's AQI is 251, classified as Poor.
  • Muzaffarnagar's AQI is 237, classified as Poor.
  • Kanpur's AQI is 201, classified as Poor.
  • Lalbagh's PM2.5 values spiked to 313 on Sunday.
  • Talkatora's PM2.5 values spiked to 315 on Sunday.

Sources:

  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin released at 4 pm on Saturday.
  • Hindustan Times, published by HT Digital Content Services with permission.