Meerut Baghpat AQI hovers near 280 Pollution persists post-Diwali

Meerut/Baghpat, Nov 11 (PTI) Air pollution continued to affect residents of Meerut and Baghpat on Wednesday, with an AQI hovering around 260-280, prompting doctors to advise people to take precautions, particularly children, elderly people and those suffering from respiratory ailments.

     Regional Pollution Officer Rajendra Prasad told PTI that GRAP's third stage has been implemented in Baghpat and other parts of Delhi-NCR by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and restrictions under it are in force.

     In Meerut, the average AQI was recorded between 256 and 262, while Baghpat reported a reading of around 280, indicating poor air quality. Residents complained of breathing difficulties and eye irritation due to the polluted air.

     The pollution levels remained elevated in several parts of western Uttar Pradesh even days after Diwali.

     According to Central Pollution Control Board data, Meerut recorded an AQI of 270 on Wednesday, while Baghpat registered 285 in the 24-hour average readings released at 4 pm.

     The readings, however, indicate an improvement from the immediate post-Diwali period, when several locations in western UP recorded AQI levels above 400, falling in the severe category.

     Meerut District Magistrate V K Singh said officials concerned had been directed to take necessary steps to control pollution and ensure compliance with the first two stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) applicable in the National Capital Region.

     Directions have also been issued regarding construction activities, he said.

     Dr Aniruddh Verma of the TB and Chest Diseases Department at Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College in Meerut advised people, including those without respiratory ailments, to wear masks when pollution levels are high.

     Fine particulate matter present in the air can enter the body through inhalation and cause health problems, he said, advising people to consult a doctor immediately if they experience breathing difficulties or other health issues.

     In neighbouring Baghpat, residents, particularly asthma patients, complained of breathing difficulties, while others reported irritation in their eyes.

     District hospital physician Dr Shravan Kumar said low humidity could also cause skin dryness, while suspended particles in the air could trigger respiratory problems. The situation was particularly concerning for asthma patients, he said.

     Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Yashveer Singh said children and elderly people were among those most affected by air pollution. Smoke from firecrackers could aggravate asthma and cause inflammation in the lungs, affecting their normal functioning, he said.

     Sohan Pal Singh, a resident of Badoli village, said dust directly hit commuters' faces while travelling on two-wheelers. He expressed concern over schoolchildren being exposed to polluted air during their daily commute.

     Doctors advised people to avoid smoking and mosquito coils, use exhaust fans in kitchens and stay away from dusty and smoky areas. They also suggested wearing masks outdoors, avoiding early morning walks and exercising indoors.

     Asthma patients should continue taking medicines prescribed by their doctors, they said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)