On Friday, Ahmedabad city nearly choked its citizens by recording the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) among the four cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, where SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) is installed.
Ahmedabad’s Air Quality Index was 311 ug/m3 in the morning and increased to 329 ug/m3 around 7 pm. This pollution level is considered detrimental to the population, particularly the sensitive groups.
Meanwhile, SAFAR has warned people against heavy exertion. “Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults and children, should avoid longer or heavy exertion,” it says. In addition, a very poor level of PM 2.5 may compound health issues for those with respiratory problems.
Analysis of SAFAR data revealed that AQI in three areas in and around Ahmedabad, Lekawada, Raikhad and Bopal, were highest. This was followed by Malad and Mazagaon in Mumbai.
Delhi, known as one of the most polluted capital cities globally, did better than Ahmedabad on Friday. It recorded 176 ug/m3 in the morning and 132 ug/m3 in the evening. However, the data forecasts no respite from the “very poor state” of air quality in Ahmedabad for the next three days. However, AQI in Delhi and Mumbai are likely to improve in the coming days.
Standing committee chairman Hitesh Bart said the pollution issue is being taken seriously by the municipal corporation, which is working on projects to improve the city’s green cover. An AMC official said that they have decided to go in for wall-to-wall green carpeting to curb particulate matter pollution. A traffic official said that areas like Raikhad and Bopal are highly congested areas.
Besides, with construction activity in full swing in Bopal, little wonder that it was the most polluted area in the city.
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