Despite their geographical advantages and favourable meteorological conditions, air pollution is rapidly becoming a concern in Ahmedabad.
On Friday, Ahmedabad city recording the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) among the four cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, where SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) is installed.
The Air Quality Index in Ahmedabad was 311 ug/m3 in the morning and increased to 329 ug/m3 around 7 p.m. This level of pollution is deemed harmful to the population, particularly vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, SAFAR has warned people against heavy exertion. “Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults and children, should avoid longer or heavy exertion,” it says. In addition, a very poor level of PM 2.5 may compound health issues for those with respiratory problems.
Analysis of SAFAR data revealed that AQI in three areas in and around Ahmedabad, Lekawada, Raikhad and Bopal, were highest. This was followed by Malad and Mazagaon in Mumbai.
On Friday, Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted capital cities, outperformed Ahmedabad. In the morning, it measured 176 ug/m3 and in the evening, it measured 132 ug/m3. However, the data indicates that Ahmedabad’s air quality will remain “very poor” for the next three days. The AQI in Delhi and Mumbai, on the other hand, is expected to improve in the coming days.
Standing committee chairman Hitesh Bart stated that the municipal corporation takes pollution seriously and is working on projects to improve the city’s green cover. According to an AMC official, they have decided to go with wall-to-wall green carpeting to reduce particulate matter pollution. According to a traffic official, areas such as Raikhad and Bopal are extremely congested.
Furthermore, with construction activity in full swing in Bopal, it’s no surprise that it was the city’s most polluted area.