Air pollution chokes Ahmedabad, AQI poor for last five months
Ahmedabad’s morning air, once considered fresh for walks and jogging, is now turning hazardous. For the past five months, the city’s air pollution has remained at unhealthy levels in the Gujarat government’s Air Quality Index (AQI).Due to rising dust from roads and traffic during school and college hours, levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 are recorded at poor levels as early as 6 am. On July 19, dust particles were recorded at 62 micrograms per cubic meter, above the safe limit of 50. In Gyaspur, morning pollution reached a dangerous 134 micrograms per cubic meter.Pollution, combined with dust from heavy vehicles, poses a major threat to two-wheeler riders and people with asthma. Construction-heavy areas see PM 10 levels cross 100 micrograms per cubic meter in the mornings, forcing many to wear masks even while walking or riding.In January, pollution levels were dangerous for five days, and in March for another five days. This July, pollution has remained at poor levels for 18 consecutive days, raising concerns over the city’s air quality during the morning hours.If a person lives in such an environment, it causes damage equivalent to smoking 647 cigarettes annually. The highest dust pollution in Ahmedabad has been observed in the Raikhad area.Currently, the level of PM 10 is extremely hazardous in areas along the SG Highway, from Circle to Sarkhej. Similarly, areas around Bopal are also witnessing PM 10 levels at dangerous levels.
Ahmedabad’s morning air, once considered fresh for walks and jogging, is now turning hazardous. For the past five months, the city’s air pollution has remained at unhealthy levels in the Gujarat government’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
Due to rising dust from roads and traffic during school and college hours, levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 are recorded at poor levels as early as 6 am.
On July 19, dust particles were recorded at 62 micrograms per cubic meter, above the safe limit of 50. In Gyaspur, morning pollution reached a dangerous 134 micrograms per cubic meter.
Pollution, combined with dust from heavy vehicles, poses a major threat to two-wheeler riders and people with asthma.
Construction-heavy areas see PM 10 levels cross 100 micrograms per cubic meter in the mornings, forcing many to wear masks even while walking or riding.
In January, pollution levels were dangerous for five days, and in March for another five days. This July, pollution has remained at poor levels for 18 consecutive days, raising concerns over the city’s air quality during the morning hours.
If a person lives in such an environment, it causes damage equivalent to smoking 647 cigarettes annually. The highest dust pollution in Ahmedabad has been observed in the Raikhad area.
Currently, the level of PM 10 is extremely hazardous in areas along the SG Highway, from Circle to Sarkhej. Similarly, areas around Bopal are also witnessing PM 10 levels at dangerous levels.
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