The NCR’s polluted skies are clearing somewhat, courtesy of persistent strong winds that have dispersed smog. February 12 updates confirm Air Quality Index improvements, with many areas graduating from red to orange and yellow zones—a boon for health amid seasonal haze.
Pollution persists at moderate levels, but the shift is tangible relief. In Delhi, Bawana leads orange at 259; Ashok Vihar 220, Anand Vihar 218, Karni Singh Range 202. Yellow readings abound: Alipur 181, Burari Crossing 169, Chandni Chowk 162, CRRI Mathura Road 171, DTU 169, Aya Nagar 160.
Noida benefits too—Sector-125/1 at 190 each, Sector-62 170, 116 at 175 (yellow vicinity). Ghaziabad’s Vasundhara 230, Indirapuram 225 (orange), contrasts Sanjay Nagar’s solid 139 (yellow).
Temperatures trend upward per IMD: 26/12 on 12th, 27/12 on 13th, 28/13 on 14th, with possible light fog at dawn—no alerts.
Wind-driven pollutant dilution explains the upgrade, experts note. But risks loom if breezes falter, potentially reconcentrating PM2.5 and other nasties. Policymakers should push vehicle emission curbs, waste management, and afforestation to lock in gains and aim for sustained green air.