Ghaziabad is rated as the most polluted city in the country as the air quality deteriorated at an alarming rate. The scale of the Air Quality Index is measured from 0 to 500 parts per million by volume (PPMV) of particulate matter.
On Sunday, the AQI in Ghaziabad was measured at 439 PPMV. The Central Pollution Control Board measured the Air Quality Index again on Monday at 441 PPMV, putting it in the severe category.
Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ritu Maheshwari identified 20 major roads where dust pollution is at its highest. She explained, “Multiple departments have been directed to carry out water sprinkling on such roads. The measures will be implemented at the earliest and will be in force for a week. We have also identified nearly eight units which are causing pollution and these will be shut.”
The District Magistrate will conduct a review meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will review which departments will be given responsibility for water sprinkling on the previously identified roads.
When the air quality is rated severe it means the pollutants will affect healthy people and seriously impact people with pre existing diseases.
Ritu Maheshwari further added, “We held a meeting of different departments on Monday and another is scheduled for Wednesday. Various agencies such as the Ghaziabad Development Authority, the Municipal Corporation and different municipal councils have been directed to immediately ensure that all under construction areas are covered and to impose penalties on those not complying with the guidelines.”
