Ghaziabad: Winter has been knocking the door in Delhi NCR, and pollution levels are surging. Ghaziabad was on Wednesday declared the most polluted city in India, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 275. Greater Noida occupied the second place, with an AQI of 271. Environmentalists have given a warning that if pollution levels are so bad at the moment, winter would turn into a gas chamber.
Experts believe stubble burning has not got underway in Haryana and Punjab. They said that efforts regarding pollution control in the district are mentioned only on paper, but in reality, no step is taken. An AQI between 201 and 300 falls into the “poor” category.
Heaps of dust on the roads are the main reason for pollution in Ghaziabad; here, many roads are full of potholes. As vehicles cross over it, dust arises into the air. Environmental expert Akash Vashishth explained that when vehicles pass over broken roads, they often use both brakes and the clutch, then suddenly accelerate, releasing twice as much smoke as usual.
If the roads were smooth, this kind of pollution could be reduced. Dust and smoke from broken roads significantly increase PM-10 and PM-2.5 levels. As per a report, PM-10 levels are around 56%, and PM-2.5 levels are about 38%.
An officer from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board explained that the wind has almost stopped moving, and low pressure is building up in the area, preventing the air from rising. High humidity is causing dust particles to stick to the air, making pollution levels rise suddenly. However, if it rains or the wind starts blowing, the bad air will clear up.
