The NCR is experiencing a rare respite from its notorious smog blanket, thanks to strong winds that have slashed pollution levels. Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad neighborhoods have shifted to the yellow zone, signaling moderate air quality that’s a far cry from the toxic haze of recent weeks.
Thursday’s readings paint an optimistic picture. Delhi’s Anand Vihar stood at 299 AQI, Bawana at 269, Chandni Chowk 233, Ashok Vihar 212, Burari Crossing 220, Alipur 241, Aya Nagar a healthy 147, CRRI Mathura Road 171, Dr. Karni Singh Range 180, and DTU 203. These numbers, sourced from official monitors, indicate a significant drop in harmful particulates.
Across the border in Noida, improvements were evident: Sector-125 (197), Sector-62 (163), Sector-1 (159), Sector-116 (169). Ghaziabad followed suit with Indirapuram at 231, Loni 266, Sanjay Nagar 202, and Vasundhara 225. Compared to prior choking days, these levels offer tangible relief.
IMD predicts continued favorable conditions, with shallow fog possible through the weekend. Expect max temps of 31°C and min 14°C on the 26th, climbing to 32°C/15°C on the 27th and 32°C/16°C on the 28th. Scientists explain that high-speed gusts prevent pollutants from settling, flushing out the air naturally.
While celebrations are in order, health advisories urge caution for children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues. This wind-driven turnaround highlights vulnerabilities in NCR’s air management, prompting calls for sustained anti-pollution measures beyond weather whims.