The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board has attributed the ‘very poor’ air quality in NCR cities such as Noida and Ghaziabad, where the AQI reached 304, to Pakistan. They claim that farm fires in Pakistan are releasing toxic smoke that crosses the border and contributes to pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad surged to 304 on October 27, from 169 the previous day, placing the air quality in the ‘very poor’ category and posing health risks. This is the first time this season that all three cities in the NCR simultaneously reported ‘very poor’ air quality, according to The Times of India.
AQI Categories Explained
The AQI categories are as follows:
- 0-50: Good
- 51-100: Satisfactory
- 101-200: Moderate
- 201-300: Poor
- 301-400: Very Poor
- 401-500: Severe
Stubble Burning Blamed for Pollution Spike
In a statement, DK Gupta from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board attributed the worsening air quality to stubble burning, reportedly from across the border in Pakistan. Gupta mentioned that rising incidents of stubble burning have been contributing to toxic smoke in the NCR region. Unfavorable wind conditions have compounded the issue, with stagnant air trapping the pollutants, leading to reduced visibility only 1,000 meters at Palam and 1,500 meters at Safdarjung.
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Air Quality in Delhi
Delhi’s air quality saw slight improvement, recording an AQI of 264 on the morning of October 28, but it remained in the ‘very poor’ range, continuing to pose health concerns. For instance, the AQI in Pitampura was 167 as of 6 AM, indicating ongoing issues.
Political Responses and Criticism
Amid the rising pollution levels, a political blame game has intensified between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Delhi Assembly’s Leader of Opposition, Vijender Gupta, criticized the AAP government for not effectively addressing the pollution crisis, claiming the government is “distracted by hollow promises and low-level politics.”
With Diwali approaching, concerns over air quality in the NCR have spiked, prompting urgent calls for action to tackle pollution.
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