Air quality in Ahmedabad deteriorates, AQI reaches up to 172

As the city’s temperature is dipping, an alarming pattern is rising: the city’s air quality index (AQI) is deteriorating, taking a turn for the worst. 

On Oct 22, the AQI reached 172, with toxic particles in it. 

The AQI is rated as follows: 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 is ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 is ‘moderate’, 201-300 is ‘poor’, 301-400 is ‘very poor’, and 401-500 is ‘severe’. Anything above 500 is categorised as ‘severe plus’.

Ahmedabad has not witnessed a single day of ‘healthy’ AQI across October. Each day saw more than 160 AQI, deemed ‘unhealthy’.

Gyaspur most polluted

On Oct 22, the city’s AQI had reached 172. Additionally, the amount of PM2.5 (particulate matter of 2.5 micron diameter) registered at 82.5 and PM10 registered at 166.  

If the amount of 2.5 PM and 10 PM is high in the air, it is considered toxic for human health.

On Oct 22, the AQI was the highest in Gyaspur (310), GIDC (200), and Maninagar (190).

AQIs of various locations in Ahmedabad on Oct 22

If the AQI falls between 201-300, it comes under the  ‘poor’ category which may cause difficulties in breathing  to people on prolonged exposure and discomfort to people with heart disease.

According to recent data published on Oct 19 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), metropolitan cities including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Ahmedabad reported AQIs higher than Delhi.

It appears that the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) administration is ineffective in the state. Ahmedabad’s industrial areas like Vatva and Pirana, along with other industrial cities including Ankleshwar and Vapi, have witnessed an alarming rise in the AQI.

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