Noida: Rain and gusty winds pushed Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida into the ‘moderate’ air quality category on Sunday, but the respite is likely to last just a day. All three cities are likely to slide back into the ‘poor’ category from Monday as pollution levels rise again.According to Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 4pm bulletin, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 125, sharply down from 217 on Saturday. Noida’s AQI fell to 131 from 171, while Greater Noida recorded 134 against 169 a day earlier.The improvement followed a spell of rain and strong winds triggered by a western disturbance on Saturday night. Rain can wash some airborne particles out of the atmosphere, while stronger winds disperse pollutants. However, the effect may not last once conditions turn less favourable.The air quality forecast bulletin of India Meteorological Department’s Environment Monitoring and Research Centre (EMRC) has predicted ‘poor’ air across NCR cities over the next three days. Cooler nights, weaker winds at certain times and a more stable atmosphere could allow pollutants to accumulate instead of dispersing.The nature of pollution also varies across the region. PM10, which includes coarse dust particles, was the main contributor in Greater Noida. In Noida and Ghaziabad, finer PM2.5 particles were also prominent, raising concerns over emissions from several sources.Local environmentalist Amit Gupta said poorly managed construction and road dust were major pollution sources in central Noida. “Industries on the periphery may contribute to PM2.5 levels, but we face dust every day while commuting on the roads,” he added.Residents of Sector 150 have also protested against uncovered trucks transporting soil and construction material through residential areas. Aman Nijhawan, a resident, said builders appeared to be speeding up work ahead of possible Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), when construction activity could face tighter curbs.“To speed up work, trucks carrying construction material take routes through residential areas, adding to the misery of residents,” he said.
