Very poor air quality in Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad

G B Nagar/Ghaziabad: The overall AQI levels of all the three cities, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad were recorded in very poor levels — in the upper brackets of 300. As a result, a thick layer of haze covered the area forcing the people to cough despite putting their masks on. According to the Air Quality Index, the levels issued by the district administration, the AQI recorded in the satellite towns of Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Noida was 397, 315 and 357, irrespective of two stations, Loni in Ghaziabad and sector 1 Station in Noida which recorded "severe" pollution levels. Officials said that the AQI shoot up to severe at these stations because of population density.

Meanwhile, officials of both Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad district administration have claimed there has been an overall reduction in cracker use this year which has impacted the overall AQI.

"As compared to last couple of years, the AQI levels in both the districts have remained low but still it is a reason to worry. This may be because that people have gone for green/eco-friendly crackers. The effort has been appreciated and we recommend people not to burst any furthermore crackers in the festive season else stringent actions will be initiated against the violators as per guidelines issued by honourable Supreme Court," said Shailendra Mishra, city magistrate, Noida. 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'.