• Source:JND
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Ghaziabad Air Quality: As air pollution levels surge across Delhi-NCR, a new controversy has emerged in Ghaziabad over whether pollution data is being deliberately concealed. Residents have alleged that whenever the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) spikes, the pollution monitoring meter in Vasundhara conveniently stops working.

According to Jagran.com, on Sunday, the pollution meter in Vasundhara remained non-functional for the entire day, even as pollution levels soared in the region. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Ghaziabad's overall AQI stood at 342 by 3 PM, placing it in the 'very poor' category.

Currently, pollution monitoring stations are installed at Vasundhara, Indirapuram, Sanjay Nagar, and Loni. However, locals point out that meters in the most polluted areas are particularly Loni and Vasundhara which often remain out of order. This, they claim, artificially lowers the district's average AQI readings and hides the true extent of toxic air in these zones.

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Since the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Ghaziabad's air quality has continued to deteriorate, swinging between the 'poor' and 'very poor' categories. Despite worsening air conditions, residents say official response has been minimal, limited mostly to occasional water sprinkling on roads.

Experts explain that the AQI fluctuates with wind speed and it tends to rise when winds are calm and drop when they pick up. However, the repeated shutdown of pollution meters during high-pollution periods has raised doubts about data transparency and accountability.

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Responding to the allegations, Ankit Singh, Regional Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), clarified that the pollution monitoring devices are turned off only in case of technical glitches, and efforts are underway to restore the Vasundhara unit at the earliest. However, Residents are not convinced by the 'technical glitch' reason and suspect data manipulation.

Check Station-wise AQI on Sunday In Ghaziabad:

- Indirapuram: 318
- Loni: 372
- Sanjay Nagar: 336
- Vasundhara: Not operational

 

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