Noida Air quality further deteriorates again, enters 'severe' category

Noida woke up to a hazy sky on Wednesday, November 13, as air quality continued to deteriorate in the Delhi and NCR region. The AQI in sector 125 was 466, Sector 62 at 469, Sector 1 at 481 and Sector 116 at 473 - all in 'Severe' category according to SAFAR(System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research). 

Air Quality in Noida Deteriorates

READ | Kejriwal stresses dangers of stubble burning, as AQI worsens in Delhi

The average Air Quality in Delhi was 522. 

Loni Dehat recorded an AQI at 571 meanwhile, Gurugram stood at 438. The Air Quality in Ghaziabad reached the 'severe' category on Tuesday as pollution mayhem continues. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indirapuram reached 441. 

READ | Delhi's AQI remains 'very poor' on 2nd day, no relief likely for 3 days

Pollution levels dipped last week

India Meteorological Department's official said the spike in pollution levels, could be attributed to a significant decline in the wind speed from 20 kilometres per hour over the last two days to 10 kilometres per hour. A dip in the temperature has also led to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground, he told PTI. The national capital had a sigh of relief last week after the pollution level dipped following the favourable wind direction. However, officials say the situation could deteriorate further with winter setting in the region.  

 According to Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), straw burning has increased this year. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also urged the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to take steps to prevent stubble burning in their states. Delhi Environment Minister Kailash Gahlot has urged the neighbouring states to stop stubble burning immediately and increase the pace of distribution of machinery among farmers for management of paddy straw. 

 Earlier, the Delhi Government shut schools and declared a major health emergency after the Air Quality in Delhi worsened and reached a critical stage. An odd-even scheme was also announced by the government to control pollution levels. However, following the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the authorities postponed the plan for November 11 and November 12. 

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