In the early hours, Delhi-NCR, including areas like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, witnesses a heavy shroud of pollution. The air quality sees drastic changes with strong winds or rainfall.
As winter approaches, the capital turns into a gas chamber. The pollution levels, especially in Greater Noida and Noida, have surged. Greater Noida is already classified as a red zone with an AQI around 300, and it’s expected to surpass 400 soon, making breathing uncomfortable.
Despite claims and promises from the authorities, the air quality remains unchanged.
From early morning, a blanket of pollution engulfs Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. Experts from the Pollution Control Department express concerns that the AQI may breach the 400 mark, with no relief in sight.
Just a week ago, both Noida and Greater Noida had better air quality, with Greater Noida in the yellow zone and Noida in the green. However, despite implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the air quality in both cities has rapidly deteriorated.
In Noida, pollution persists from morning till noon, disappearing only after heavy breezes. Concerns mount about Greater Noida’s failure to adhere to GRAP regulations and reports of garbage burning, with no effective action taken.
The Noida Authority has taken measures to combat pollution, including installing 67 anti-smog guns at different project sites. They use 27 water sprinklers to spray water for smog relief and remove 20 kg of dust daily from the roads, with 12 sweeping machines cleaning 340 km of roads.
An anti-smog tower has been erected in Noida’s Sector 16A, aiming to purify the air within a one-square-kilometer radius. It can remove 60 to 80 percent of PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles, which contribute to pollution. Eleven hotspots in the district are receiving special initiatives, and the anti-smog tower stands as a beacon of hope.
Eleven hotspots have been identified for targeted actions, including Yamuna Expressway, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Sector-115, 116, 74 to 79, Dadri Road, Sector-150, Greater Noida West, Sector-62 to 104, Sector-62, Surajpur Site-C, UPSIDC, Tilpata, Pari Chowk, and from Surajpur Police Line to Gaur Chowk.
Officials have imposed fines totaling Rs 9.15 lakh in 20 cases of pollution spread. Additionally, they removed 458 tonnes of building waste. Fourteen teams from the Noida Authority are inspecting various development projects, roadways, and open spaces to curb pollution. Fines are enforced on construction sites not meeting NGT criteria.
As pollution levels rise, these measures aim to tackle the ongoing crisis and protect the health of Delhi-NCR residents. Stay informed as the situation develops.
