Haryana grappled with a severe air quality crisis as multiple cities recorded 'very poor' levels, with Bahadurgarh and Gurugram emerging as the most affected areas. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Bahadurgarh registered a staggering Air Quality Index (AQI) of 358 at 8 a.m., while Jind followed closely at 350, both firmly in the 'very poor' category. Gurugram’s monitoring stations at Sector 51 and Vikas Sadan reported AQIs of 348 and 325, respectively, signaling hazardous conditions for residents.
The air quality deterioration extended across Haryana, with Rohtak posting an AQI of 343, Bhiwani at 307, and Sirsa at 296. Other cities like Kaithal (290), Sonipat (255), Faridabad (249), Kurukshetra (234), Panipat (231), and Karnal (225) fell into the 'poor' to 'moderate' range, still posing health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. In neighboring Punjab, the situation was marginally better but still concerning, with Ludhiana recording an AQI of 268, Jalandhar at 242, and Amritsar at 212, all in the 'poor' category.
The CPCB classifies AQI levels as follows: 0-50 ('good'), 51-100 ('satisfactory'), 101-200 ('moderate'), 201-300 ('poor'), 301-400 ('very poor'), 401-450 ('severe'), and above 450 ('severe plus'). Levels in the 'very poor' range, as seen in parts of Haryana, can cause respiratory discomfort, exacerbate asthma, and increase health risks with prolonged exposure. Factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and seasonal stubble burning are likely contributors to the worsening air quality, particularly in urban centers like Gurugram and industrial hubs like Bahadurgarh.
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Local authorities face mounting pressure to address the crisis, with calls for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, including curbing illegal stubble burning and regulating construction activities. Residents have been advised to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and rely on air purifiers where possible. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle pollution sources, as prolonged exposure to such toxic air threatens public health and economic productivity.
As winter approaches, experts warn that air quality may deteriorate further without immediate interventions. Haryana’s urban and rural areas alike require robust policy measures, such as enhanced monitoring, green transport initiatives, and public awareness campaigns, to mitigate this recurring environmental challenge. Meanwhile, Punjab’s 'poor' air quality signals a regional issue that demands cross-state collaboration to safeguard communities from the growing menace of polluted air.
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