CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — The air quality across several cities in Haryana plunged into the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday, with Bahadurgarh and Gurugram emerging as the most polluted, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
At 8 am, Bahadurgarh recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 358, while Jind stood close behind at 350. Gurugram’s Sector 51 monitoring station reported an AQI of 348 and Vikas Sadan 325, both indicating hazardous conditions for sensitive groups.
Other Haryana cities also reported deteriorating air conditions — Rohtak (343), Bhiwani (307), Sirsa (296), Kaithal (290), Faridabad (249), Sonipat (255), Karnal (225), Kurukshetra (234), and Panipat (231).
In neighbouring Punjab, air quality was comparatively better but still worrisome. At 8 am, Amritsar recorded an AQI of 212, Jalandhar 242, and Ludhiana 268 — all falling under the ‘poor’ category.
According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51–100 ‘satisfactory’, 101–200 ‘moderate’, 201–300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’, and 401–450 ‘severe’. Levels beyond 450 are classified as ‘severe plus’, posing serious health risks.
Officials said the rise in pollution levels could be linked to reduced wind speed, vehicular emissions, and post-Diwali residue from firecracker burning. Environmental experts have urged residents to limit outdoor exposure, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments.
A senior pollution control official said, “The air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for the next 24 to 48 hours. District administrations have been advised to intensify dust control and restrict open burning.”
