Noida Ranks 5th Most Polluted City In India; CPCB Team To Probe GRAP-2 Violations

Pollution levels in Noida are not decreasing despite the implementation of GRAP-2 (Graded Response Action Plan) in the city. On Friday, Noida was recorded as the fifth most polluted city in the country and the third most polluted in the NCR.

With an increase of 49 points in Noida's Air Quality Index (AQI) over the last 24 hours, the air was recorded in the 'very poor' category, while in Greater Noida, an increase of 56 points placed the air in the 'poor' category. Noida's AQI was recorded at 306, and Greater Noida's at 284 on Friday.

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Authorities have reported that dust from construction sites and the burning of garbage heaps in various areas are major contributors to the deteriorating air quality. Sectors 50, 76, 1, 61, and 21 have reported mounds of soil and ongoing construction work in violation of GRAP-2 guidelines.

Meanwhile, water sprinkling, a key measure to control dust, is barely being implemented.

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Taking cognisance of repeated complaints, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has deployed a two-member team to inspect the affected sectors. The team will submit a detailed report identifying the causes of rising pollution in Noida and the lapses in implementing anti-pollution measures.