Noida Air Quality Index (AQI) | India

Noida AIR POLLUTION

Noida is a part of the National Capital Region, India, and is located in Gautam Buddha Nagar of Uttar Pradesh. The population of Noida was 642,381 (Census of India, 2011). Considered to be one of the most polluted cities in the world, and listed in the top 10 polluting areas in the world, Noida's air pollution levels are extremely dangerous. Air Quality in Noida can sometimes be worse than in Delhi and other north Indian states.

Noida produces large amounts of air pollutants, these are:

● Emissions from Automobiles: Due to heavy traffic, the average levels of black carbon, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM) found on Noida's roadways are extremely high. According to a study conducted by CPCB, the particulate concentration was ten times greater than typical levels. The study claims that 80 percent of the citizens suffer from eye or skin discomfort as a result of high concentrations of black carbon, CO, and PM. Each of the crossings sees a large number of traffic every day, with estimates ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 passenger car units each day, as estimated by the officials.

● Road dust: Noida residents claim that the concerned authorities are not performing their job of maintaining the poor conditions of roads, open spaces, and pavements that prevents dust from mixing with the air and causing air pollution. According to experts, 'Overly polluted air can harm citizens' health, particularly youngsters and the elderly.

● Construction and extraction: Dust pollution from construction activities without adequate precautions continue to choke Noida - one of the most polluted cities in Delhi-NCR, despite the graded action plan (GRAP) continuing to be in force across the city '(a report by Hindustan Times). As reported by a resident living near a construction site', during the daytime strong winds often carry soil and larger dust particles from the construction site to their houses.

● Industrial Emissions: Industrial emissions are consistent season after season. According to a research published in August 2018, industries were responsible for 22% of air pollution.

● Stubble and trash burning: Noida produces approximately 200-250 tonnes of garbage per day. If this garbage is not disposed of in the most environment - friendly manner possible, rather than burning, it might result in serious health problems among the citizens. According to experts, stubble burning accounts for at least 15-20% of the city's air pollution.

Reports, Facts, and Figures About Noida Air Quality Index

● Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) says, dust is the major source of pollution in most NCR districts, followed by industrial emissions.

● An August 2018 report says, PM10 is the most prominent pollutant in NCR cities. In Noida, during the summer months, 47% of the PM10 in the atmosphere was because of dust, 22% was contributed by industries, 13% by vehicles, 12% by biomass, and 6% by others. During winters, 29% of the PM10 was caused by dust, 25% each by industries and vehicles, 12% by biomass, and 9% by others.

● A Bimhow research says, 'the construction sector contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of climatic change, 40% of water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes.

Health Impacts due to Noida - 'very poor' PM2.5 conditions

1. Vehicle emissions aggravate asthma, impair lung capacity, and make people more vulnerable to respiratory ailments like pneumonia and bronchitis.

2. According to the study by Järlskog et al., road dust contains a large number of black particles <100 µm. These smaller MPs have a greater potential to harm human health, particularly in the cardiorespiratory system.

3. Heart disease, lung cancer, asthma, and acute lower respiratory infection are all linked to construction and demolition operations.

4. Birth defects, cancer, immune function abnormalities, kidney and liver dysfunction, lung and respiratory ailments, and neurotoxic disorders are all linked to industrial pollution.

5. Cancers, liver disorders, immune system, endocrine, and reproductive system dysfunction, as well as effects on the developing neurological system and other developmental events.

Action Plans By Uttar Pradesh Government

• 1. Vehicle emission control
• 2. Suspension of road dust and other fugitive emissions control
• 3. Control of emissions from biomass/crop residue/garbage/municipal solid waste burning
• 4. Control of industrial emissions
• 5. Control of air pollution from construction and demolition activities