Beware Ghaziabad! Air is ‘very bad’, AQI crosses 350, know how to protect yourself

With the slight onset of cold in Delhi-NCR, the air has once again started turning poisonous. The situation has become worrying in Ghaziabad, adjacent to Delhi, where people are facing problems like difficulty in breathing and burning sensation in the eyes. The worst condition is in Loni area, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached the dangerous level of 350, which falls in the ‘very poor’ category. At the same time, in the rest of the areas of Ghaziabad also, AQI remains around 300. GRAP-1 implemented, government issued warning. In view of the deteriorating air quality, the administration has implemented Graded Response Action Plan i.e. GRAP-1 with immediate effect. The festive season is near, especially on Diwali, due to fireworks, the level of pollution can become even worse. This situation can be gauged from the fact that till a few days ago, the tall buildings near National Highway-9 were clearly visible, now they are seen wrapped in a thick blanket of smog and pollution. The effect has started appearing on the people even before Diwali. The effect of this ‘poison’ is beginning to be seen on people’s health. Many people have complained of severe burning sensation in the eyes and sore throat. The Health Department has also issued an advisory for the people: If it is not absolutely necessary, avoid going out of the house. Wear a good quality mask while going out of the house. Take special care of children and the elderly. The weather is pleasant, but the wind is stifling. Surprisingly, the weather in Ghaziabad is quite pleasant. For the last one week, there is a feeling of coolness in the morning and evening, while the sky remains clear and sunny during the day. The maximum temperature on Friday is expected to be 33 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature will be 19 degrees Celsius. But this still and cold air is retaining the pollution particles with it, due to which the air is becoming suffocating. Now there is a need to pay serious attention to this situation, so that people do not face more problems.