Noida, Greater Noida, Gzb still breathing 'severe' quality air

Noida/Ghaziabad: A thick layer of smog engulfed the three cities of Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad on Tuesday, as air quality continued to remain in the 'severe' category for the fourth consecutive day since Diwali last week.

The air quality Index (AQI) figures, released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), stated that the three cities were in severe category on Tuesday.

However, some areas also entered the 'severe plus emergency' category.

The CPCB's AQI level values for Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad stood at 424, 409 and 429, respectively. Moreover, visibility remained low throughout the day.

"Severe air quality in the region has prevailed for the past four days. We are expecting an improvement in the air quality levels if the weather conditions change in the next couple of days.

"All construction work in the district is allowed only in the day time as the air quality worsens at night," said a senior officer of Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Administrations of both Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts have already directed all private and government schools to stop all outdoor activities, including assemblies, till the air quality improves.

Severe levels of air quality were already prevalent in the National Capital Region before Diwali.

However, bursting of firecrackers, combined with low wind speed, further deteriorated the condition.

Meanwhile, pursuing its crackdown against violators, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration registered an FIR against seven persons who sold banned firecrackers on Diwali.