NEW DELHI – While Delhi experienced a marginal improvement in its air quality on Tuesday, much of North India, including major National Capital Region (NCR) cities and Uttar Pradesh, continues to grapple with severe air pollution. The national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) moved into the "poor" category, offering a brief respite, but millions across the region still breathe toxic air.
NCR Cities Face Persistent Haze
Neighboring NCR cities showed varying but generally high levels of pollution. Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 252, Noida 306, Gurugram 321, and Ambala 269. These figures place Noida and Gurugram in the "very poor" category (301-400 AQI), where prolonged exposure poses significant health risks. Post-Diwali pollution, compounded by low wind speeds, winter inversion, and minimal rainfall, is exacerbating the crisis.
Widespread Impact Across Punjab and Haryana
The blanket of smog has extended across Punjab and Haryana. Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh registered AQI levels of 261 and 309 respectively, while Ludhiana stood at 281, Amritsar 260, and Patiala 200. Chandigarh's air quality also fell into the "poor" category, with readings between 127 and 193 at various monitoring stations.
Uttar Pradesh Cities Battle Hazardous Air
Air quality in parts of Uttar Pradesh remained alarming. On Monday, cities like Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow saw AQI levels exceeding 500, indicating hazardous conditions. Although Tuesday brought moderate improvement, with Prayagraj at 176, Lucknow at 191, and Kanpur at 206, ten UP cities, including Kanpur and Varanasi, had experienced hazardous air quality earlier in the week.
Emergency Measures Underway
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on November 6, following an average AQI of 382. This stage imposes strict restrictions on construction and demolition activities, vehicular movement, and industrial operations. Schools for students up to Class 5 have been advised to adopt a hybrid learning model, combining physical attendance with online classes.
Health Advisory Issued
Health officials and pollution experts advise residents, especially children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, to minimize outdoor exertion during early mornings and late evenings. With no significant rainfall expected soon, authorities emphasize stringent enforcement of GRAP-III measures, reduction of vehicular and construction dust, and public cooperation to prevent open waste burning to mitigate the severe North India air pollution crisis.