Poor AQI hits Uttarayan celebrations in Ahmedabad amid biting cold

Uttarayan festivities in Ahmedabad were overshadowed by rising air pollution and severe cold on Tuesday, as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘poor’ category.

According to official data, Ahmedabad recorded AQI levels ranging between 200 and 250 in several areas, with pollution peaking in parts of western and northern Ahmedabad. Dense smog, vehicular emissions and extensive use of firecrackers during kite flying led to a sharp rise in PM2.5 and PM10 levels, affecting visibility and causing breathing discomfort for residents.

Cold conditions continued across Gujarat, with Naliya emerging as the coldest location in the state at 5.2 degrees Celsius. Kutch and Saurashtra regions experienced intense cold as temperatures dipped further. Ahmedabad recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6 degrees, while Vadodara saw 14.4 degrees.

Despite the chill, kite enthusiasts gathered on rooftops early in the morning. The India Meteorological Department said wind speeds of 5-15 kmph on January 14 are favourable for kite flying. The weather is expected to remain dry over the next seven days, with cold conditions persisting.

Health experts have advised residents, especially those with respiratory ailments, the elderly and children, to take precautions as polluted air during winter can aggravate health issues.

AQI readings across areas:

Bodakdev: 213

Chandkheda: 206

Chandranagar: 173

Ghuma: 208

Gota: 358

Gyaspur: 199

Shahibaug: 29

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium: 215

Shantigram: 250

Sonini Chali: 221

South Bopal: 219

Kathwada: 198

Maninagar: 203

Nikol: 279

Airport: 198

Thaltej: 236

Usmanpura: 223

Vasantnagar: 234