Noida Chokes Under Severe Smog: AQI Touches 693, City Records Worst Air Quality in the Country

Noida:
Noida woke up to a public health emergency on Monday as a deadly combination of extreme air pollution and dense fog brought daily life to a near standstill. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to an alarming 693, placing it firmly in the “severe” category and making Noida the most polluted city in the country.

According to official data, Noida’s AQI jumped sharply from 466 on Sunday to 693 on Monday morning, marking the harshest pollution episode of the season so far. In some monitoring locations, AQI levels were reported to be as high as 747, indicating an extremely hazardous situation for residents.

Adding to the crisis, dense fog reduced visibility to barely 20 metres in several areas by 9 am, severely disrupting traffic and normal activities. Major roads, residential sectors and the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway remained shrouded in thick fog, forcing motorists to drive slowly using headlights and fog lamps. Traffic movement was sluggish, and delays were reported even in essential services.

Residents complained of breathing difficulties, eye irritation, throat infections and persistent coughing. Hospitals across the city witnessed a noticeable rise in patients suffering from respiratory issues, allergies and asthma-related problems. Doctors and environmental experts have strongly advised people to stay indoors, wear masks, and avoid morning walks or outdoor exercise, especially children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Despite the severe pollution, the maximum temperature in Noida is expected to hover around 26.7 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to 17.5 degrees Celsius. Sunrise was recorded at 7:06 am, with sunset expected at 5:26 pm.

Environmental experts have termed Monday as one of the toughest days of the season, warning that continued stagnant weather conditions could worsen air quality further. Authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures and minimize outdoor exposure until conditions improve.

The pollution-fog double assault has once again highlighted the urgent need for long-term pollution control measures to safeguard public health in the National Capital Region.