The industrial cluster of Baddi was rated as the fourth most-polluted city of India next only to Byrnihat in Meghalaya, Delhi and Noida with the air quality index (AQI) hitting the “very poor” level of 366.
As per the bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Baddi recorded an AQI of 366 which was marginally lower than 389 of Byrnihat, 378 of Delhi and 376 of Noida.
This industrial belt figures among 11 cities nationally where the AQI level exceeded 300 at 2:05 pm today.
After maintaining a moderate AQI in December 2024, this sudden movement above 300 indicated a steep deterioration of air quality which will trigger health concerns, especially in the sensitive population.
From 289 AQI recorded yesterday at 4 pm, this steep rise indicates how the air has deteriorated in quality in the past 24 hours. Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure is expected under such circumstances, claim health experts.
Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 has been indicated as the prominent parameter with its maximum level climbing to 500. Its minimum was as high as 237. Its average level was noted to be at 366. Vehicle emissions, industrial boilers, burning of wood etc contribute PM2.5 to the air.
PM10 has been identified as the other prominent contributor to the hazardous AQI. Its maximum level too was as high as 500 and its minimum stood at 144. So, its average stood at 304.
Construction work, industrial emissions, burning of wood add PM10 to the air. With four-laning work underway on the Baddi-Nalagarh national highway, the roads abound in dust and cause discomfort to the sensitive population.