Ahmedabad chokes as AQI crosses 200, pollution equals smoking 3 cigarettes a day

As winter begins to set in, air pollution levels in Ahmedabad have surged sharply. On Saturday, the city recorded an average AQI of 160, a pollution level equivalent to smoking three cigarettes per day, according to health standards.

By Saturday night, 17 locations across the city reported AQI levels above 200, pushing the overall city index to 210. The day’s lowest AQI was recorded at 78 in the morning, while Thaltej logged the highest reading of 267 at night.

Pollution has been persistently high since October. Excluding the Diwali period, most days last month saw AQI readings cross 200. The trend has continued in November, with 12 out of 15 days so far registering AQI above 200.

Experts warn that as temperatures drop further in December, pollution levels are likely to worsen, raising health concerns for residents.