Chandigarh, January 11, 2025: Chandigarh has once again been listed as the second most polluted city in the country, following Delhi, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching a hazardous 371 on Friday.
Residents faced extremely poor air conditions, reminiscent of the alarming pollution levels in November last year.
From Thursday evening to Friday evening, every part of the city reported “very bad” air quality. Dense fog and cold conditions exacerbated the situation, posing severe risks to individuals with respiratory, blood pressure, and heart conditions.
Pollution Crisis Since November: Chandigarh first ranked as the second most polluted city on November 12, 2024, when the AQI hit 343. Since then, conditions have worsened, with recent data recording AQI levels as high as 371, and PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations often crossing the critical threshold of 400 in various sectors.
Key observations included:
Sector 22: Pollution levels stayed below 300 for just 3 hours in a 24-hour period.
Sector 25: Air quality improved only briefly, dropping below 300 for 5 hours.
Sector 53: The AQI fell below 300 for just 2 hours.
Health Impacts Mounting
Such elevated pollution levels significantly impact asthma patients, those with high blood pressure, and individuals with heart conditions, increasing the risk of strokes and respiratory complications. PM2.5 particles, small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissues, can linger on the lung’s innermost surface for days, worsening health outcomes even for healthy individuals.
Authorities and residents alike are being urged to take precautionary measures as air quality levels remain in the hazardous range.
