CHANDIGARH: For the first time this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Chandigarh crossed the 400 mark, reaching 436 on Thursday evening, which is in the 'Severe' category. It was the most polluted day of the year till now, with a higher AQI than even Diwali night. This makes Chandigarh the most polluted city after Delhi.
At the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Sector 22, the AQI at around 4 pm on Thursday was at 436 and at CAAQMS Sector 53, it was recorded at 434. Both stations are in the ‘Severe’ category. At the Sector 25 station, the AQI level was in the `Very Poor’ category at 366. A hazy layer of smog was visible throughout the day.
On Wednesday, at 7 pm it had shot up to 414 at Sector 22 station and was at 410 at CAAQMS in Sector 53. It was at 327 in Sector 25.
As per the daily AQI bulletin index on November 14 on the website of the Central Pollution Control Board, at 4 pm, Chandigarh recorded an AQI level of 412 while Delhi's was at 424. Thus both cities were in the 'Severe' category.
Heavy smog has enveloped the city, significantly reducing visibility and affecting daily life and traffic movement. The higher AQI indicates a hazardous level of pollution, posing serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory issues.
Met Department officials are of the view that the western disturbance increased the moisture content in the region, reducing air circulation and resulting in dense morning fog. The worsening air quality in the region is not solely a result of crop burning.
The Chandigarh Meteorological Department has also issued a yellow alert in the region stating that the conditions will persist till Friday.
Confirming that this is smog, IMD director of Chandigarh Surender Paul said that in November, smog is uncommon especially when the temperature is still above average. It is in December that smog comes and also at late night or in the early morning and fog is during the day and also at the time of peak winters.
He said that due to the effect of a western disturbance touching the north of the country along with a low-pressure area, the humidity of the region is increasing. The other significant contributors include dust and urban pollution sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, he added.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) will monitor the situation in the coming days.