As AQI slips in Capital, Noida sees sharper spike in pollution at night, Pg4.

Key Highlights:

• Delhi's AQI slipped into the 'poor' category at 245 on Thursday.
• Noida recorded a 'very poor' AQI of 288, with pollution peaking between 7 pm and midnight.
• Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest share of stubble burning events with 403 fires between September 15 and October 16.
• The Delhi government launched its Winter Action Plan 2025-26 with 25 targeted measures.

Detailed Insights:

• Noida's pollution spikes differ from Delhi, suggesting a rise in local emissions from traffic and firecrackers.
• Calm winds and rising humidity are trapping pollutants, with Sector 125 and Sector 116 in Noida witnessing the highest spikes.
• Stubble burning has begun to rise in neighboring states, with a total of 889 burning events detected.
• The Winter Action Plan includes measures like the Green Delhi App, real-time monitoring, and enforcement teams for vehicular emissions control.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts mist and haze, with the AQI expected to remain in the 'poor' or 'very poor' range.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): A measure of air quality based on concentrations of various pollutants.
• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, a major air pollutant.
• Stubble Burning: The practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvest, contributing to air pollution.