Chandigarh/New Delhi, Oct 22: Chandigarh recorded a moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) of 169 at 9 am on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), placing the city in the ‘moderate’ category. An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered moderate.
However, the air quality across several parts of Haryana continued to deteriorate, with many districts reporting AQI levels in the ‘very poor’ range. Dharuhera in Rewari district recorded the highest pollution level at 382, followed closely by Narnaul (367), Jind (367), Charkhi Dadri (362), Rohtak (358), Yamunanagar (347), Fatehabad (320), and Ballabhgarh (318).
Other Haryana cities reported poor air quality, including Gurugram (290), Bhiwani (298), Bahadurgarh (272), Sonipat (285), Karnal (243), Kaithal (237), Kurukshetra (226), and Faridabad (218). “The surge in pollution is linked to crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, and cooler morning temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground,” an official from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board noted.
Neighbouring Punjab also witnessed poor air conditions, with Amritsar recording an AQI of 253, Jalandhar 261, Ludhiana 234, and Patiala 207. Meanwhile, Delhi remained under the ‘very poor’ category, with an AQI of 335 at 9 am.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 21.8°C, 3.4°C above normal, with relative humidity at 91 per cent at 8:30 am. The forecast indicated morning mist and haze, followed by mostly clear skies and a maximum temperature around 33°C. “Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly,” an IMD spokesperson said.
