AIR ‘VERY POOR’ IN GHAZIABAD, NOIDA FOR THIRD DAY; RESPITE LIKELY BY THIS WEEKEND

NOIDA: The average air quality across Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida was recorded "very poor" on Wednesday for a third day in a row. Pollutants PM 2.5 and PM 10 also remained in the air of the five immediate neighbours of Delhi, according to the air quality index (AQI) maintained by the Central Pollu-tion Control Board (CPCB).

The average 24-hour AQI at 4pm on Wednesday was 328 Ghaziabad, 322 in Noida, an 337 in Greater Noida, all in 'very poor category, according to the CPCB. On Tuesday, it was 356 in Ghaziabad, 335 in Noida, and 375 in Greater Noida. On Mon-day, it was 369 in Ghaziabad, 368 in Noida, and 349 in Greater Noida.

According to the index, an AQI between zero and 50 is con-sidered 'good', Bland 100 'satis-factory',101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

The AQI for each city is based on the average value of all moni-toring stations there. Ghaziabad and Noida havefour such sta-tions while Greater Noida has two stations each.

According weather analysts, air quality has been affected due to low wind speed. "Wind speed is low and the emissions are con-sistent, which is the reason why accumulation of particles is at its peak with no scope of disper-sion. Air quality is likely to remain in the 'very poor' condi-tion over the next few days," said Mahesh Palawat vice president, meteorology and climate change, Skymet

According to the system of air quality and weather forecasting and research (SAFAR), the air quality is likely to improve over the weekend.

"Surface winds are low and forecasted to improve and change in direction to easterly. Better ventilation is likely to influence AQI positively. The AQI is likely to stay in the lower end of the 'very poor' for the next two days. AQI is likely to further improve on February 20," read the SAFAR statement on Wednesday.