Ghaziabad Pollution: Loni Recorded As Most Polluted Area In India With AQI 403; District Air Quality Remains 'Very Poor'

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the district continues to fluctuate in direct correlation with wind speed. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an increase in wind speed on Wednesday led to a 37-point drop in the AQI, bringing the figure down to 324. On Tuesday, the AQI was recorded at 361.

Impact Of Wind Speed And Direction

On Wednesday, the average wind speed in the district was 11 kilometers per hour, which facilitated the dispersal of pollutants. Officials explain that when wind speed increases, dust particles are dispersed, lowering the AQI. Conversely, when the wind speed drops to between four and five kilometers per hour, dust particles linger in the atmosphere, causing the AQI to remain around 400.

Wind direction is also a contributing factor this month. Officials noted that north-westerly winds are carrying smoke from stubble burning in the fields of Punjab and Haryana, which is increasing pollution levels across Delhi-NCR.

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Loni Tops Pollution List

Loni was recorded as the most polluted area in the country on Wednesday, with an AQI of 403. This follows Tuesday’s data, where Loni was ranked as the second most polluted area. Meanwhile, the air quality in Sanjay Nagar was recorded in the 'very poor' category, while the AQI for Vasundhara and Sanjay Nagar was listed in the 'poor' category.

Public Sentiment And Confusion Over Data

Residents have expressed frustration, stating they have lost faith in the authorities due to the lack of concrete plans to combat pollution. Many believe that relief is now entirely dependent on nature, noting that pollution will only decrease if the wind speed increases further.

Additionally, there is significant confusion regarding the accuracy of pollution data due to a wide disparity between different monitoring agencies. While the CPCB recorded the AQI at 361, IQAir reported a figure of 174—a difference of 150 points. Residents state they are unsure which AQI reading to consider correct.

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