Is Pakistan To Blame? Noida's AQI Hits 'Very Poor' Levels Ahead Of Diwali

As Delhi-NCR braces for Diwali festivities, a concerning spike in air pollution levels has alarmed residents across the region.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad skyrocketed to 304 on October 27, up from 169 just a day earlier, categorizing the air quality as 'very poor,' which poses significant health risks.

This marks the first instance this season where all three NCR cities reported 'very poor' air quality simultaneously, according to Times of India.

Understanding AQI Categories

The AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows:

• 0-50: Good
• 51-100: Satisfactory
• 101-200: Moderate
• 201-300: Poor
• 301-400: Very Poor
• 401-500: Severe

Blame Game: Officials Point to Stubble Burning

In a controversial statement, DK Gupta, a senior official from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, attributed the worsening air quality to pollution from across the border, specifically citing stubble burning in Pakistan, as reported by Hindustan Times. "This is the first time this year that all three cities-Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad-experienced 'very poor' air quality on the same day. Increasing instances of stubble burning have been sending toxic smoke across the border," Gupta stated, as reported by TOI.

Officials noted that the unfavourable wind conditions have exacerbated the situation, preventing the dispersion of smoke from farm fires. Local wind speeds dropped to zero, resulting in a hazy atmosphere and reduced visibility-just 1,000 meters at Palam and 1,500 meters at Safdarjung.

A Decline in Delhi's Air Quality

While air quality in Delhi improved slightly with a recorded AQI of 264 on the morning of October 28, it still remained in the 'very poor' category, signifying hazardous conditions for health. In the Pitampura area, the AQI stood at 167 at 6 AM, as pe media reports.

Political Blame and Responses

As air quality continues to deteriorate, a political tug-of-war has emerged between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, criticized the AAP government for its failure to manage rising pollution levels, asserting that residents are left to breathe in toxic air while the government is distracted by "hollow promises and low-level politics."

As the region prepares for Diwali celebrations, the alarming increase in pollution levels has intensified calls for immediate action to address air quality concerns in Delhi-NCR.