Despite spending ₹425.83 crore over the past five years, the city’s air pollution has been increasing at alarming levels.

The health risks for residents living near areas like the Pirana dumpsite, Rakhial, and the vicinity of Sardar Patel Stadium have escalated.

On December 26, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 320 in Pirana, while on December 28, Rakhial reported an AQI of 211. On December 27, the AQI near Sardar Patel Stadium stood at 276. 

As part of the Air Quality Control Programme, Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) received a grant of ₹425.83 crore from the government for the five years from 2020 to 2025.

The highest expenditure from the fund was ₹252.71 crore for road construction. Despite spending such a significant amount, negligence and lack of proper supervision by AMC's engineering department have led to dust clouds being observed in areas like Pirana, Gota, and other municipal boundaries, particularly during early mornings and evenings.

In areas like Rakhiyal and Raikhad, increasing traffic congestion has further contributed to deteriorating air quality. According to data on the AQI, during the seven days from December 23 to December 29, 2024, AQI levels above 100 were recorded in 10 locations across the city.

AMC had earlier attempted to spray water using mist machines in areas with high pollution levels. However, due to public opposition or other reasons, the misting operations were discontinued, according to reliable sources. Despite substantial expenditures over five years under the Air Quality Control Programme, it yielded no significant outcomes.

Maximum AQI levels at various locations

During the period from December 23 to December 29, AQI measurements were taken at ten different spots across the city by AMC. The maximum AQI levels recorded in these areas during this time were as follows:

Maximum Index in Various Areas

Area	Maximum Index
Chandkheda	239
Gyaspur	320
Maninagar	187
Raikhad	145
Rakhial	211
Bopal	170
Satellite	195
Airport	178
Sardar Patel Stadium	276
Vatva, GIDC	185

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