Noida, 20 December. The effect of fog is clearly visible these days in North India. Cold, dense fog and severe pollution have badly affected normal life in the entire NCR including Delhi. According to official data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) continues to remain in the ‘very-severe’ category in most areas of Delhi-NCR, due to which people are facing problems in breathing.
According to data received from the air quality stations of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and IITM, AQI has crossed 400 in many areas of Delhi. AQI was recorded at 434 in Anand Vihar, while it reached 435 in Vivek Vihar.
Ashok Vihar’s AQI was 415, Chandni Chowk’s 417, Rohini’s 421 and Wazirpur’s AQI 424. R.K. AQI was recorded at 409 in Puram, 413 in DTU and 399 in Sirifort. The AQI was 373 in Bawana, 387 in Burari Crossing, 393 in Karni Singh Shooting Range and 395 in Sonia Vihar. AQI was recorded at 308 at Shadipur and 352 at Sri Aurobindo Marg, which is still in the very poor category.
The situation also remains worrying in the NCR cities adjacent to Delhi. AQI was recorded at 376 in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram, 338 in Loni and 363 in Sanjay Nagar. The air quality remained very poor at all the four active stations of Noida. AQI was recorded at 438 in Sector-1 Noida, 416 in Sector-125, 411 in Sector-116 and 358 in Sector-62. According to the Meteorological Department, the situation of dense fog may persist further also.
According to IMD’s 7-day forecast, the maximum temperature from December 20 to 25 is expected to be between 16 to 17 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be between 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. Dense fog warning has been issued on all these days. Due to drop in temperature and decrease in wind speed, pollutant particles are accumulating in the atmosphere, due to which the smog situation is becoming more serious.
The effect of dense fog is clearly visible on air services also. There are reports of delays and cancellations in many flights as visibility has reduced considerably. Even on the roads, drivers are facing a lot of problems in the morning and night. In view of the situation, the Education Department and the District Administration are currently considering running the schools in online mode, so that children can be protected from the risk of cold, fog and pollution. Experts advise that people should avoid going out unnecessarily, use masks and especially the elderly, children and respiratory patients should take special precautions.
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