Haryana: The air quality across several regions of Haryana has deteriorated significantly, with parts of Bahadurgarh, Gurugram, and other cities witnessing air pollution levels in the “very poor” category. This alarming surge in air pollution is also affecting neighboring Punjab, where the air quality remains in the “poor” range.
According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, was recorded at a concerning 358 at 8 AM, placing it firmly in the “very poor” category. This was followed by Jind, which recorded an AQI of 350, indicating hazardous air quality. Several areas in Gurugram also showed alarming readings: the AQI in Sector 51 stood at 348, while Vikas Sadan recorded 325, both of which are considered “very poor.”
Other parts of Haryana also experienced severe air quality, with Rohtak registering an AQI of 343, Bhiwani at 307, and Faridabad at 249. Smaller towns like Kaithal (290), Sonipat (255), Karnal (225), Kurukshetra (234), Panipat (231), and Sirsa (296) also recorded dangerously high pollution levels, far exceeding the permissible limits for safe air quality.
In neighboring Punjab, the situation was similarly concerning, with cities such as Amritsar (212), Jalandhar (242), and Ludhiana (268) seeing pollution levels in the “poor” to “moderate” category. While these figures are not as severe as those in Haryana, they still pose a risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
For context, the CPCB categorizes AQI levels as follows: an AQI between 0-50 is considered “good,” 51-100 is “satisfactory,” 101-200 is “moderate,” 201-300 is “poor,” 301-400 is “very poor,” and levels above 400 are categorized as “severe.” The current readings in Haryana fall in the upper range of the “very poor” category, indicating a significant public health risk.
Experts have raised concerns about the rapid degradation of air quality in the region, warning that prolonged exposure to such levels of pollution could have severe health impacts. “Air pollution at these levels is dangerous for everyone, but especially for people with respiratory issues, children, and the elderly. People are advised to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and wear masks if they must go out,” said Dr. Ravi Sharma, an environmental health expert.
The ongoing air quality crisis is largely attributed to several factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning in neighboring states, and construction activities. The combination of these pollutants, especially during the winter months, exacerbates the situation, leading to a toxic smog that hangs over the region.
Local authorities have urged residents to take precautions, advising them to limit outdoor activities and take preventive measures to protect their health. Meanwhile, environmental activists have called for stronger enforcement of pollution control measures and greater efforts to reduce stubble burning, which has been a key contributor to the region’s deteriorating air quality.
As the winter season approaches, the air quality in Haryana and Punjab is expected to worsen further, unless immediate action is taken to curb the sources of pollution. For now, residents are left grappling with the ongoing health hazards posed by the toxic air.
