Ahmedabad’s air quality dipped to hazardous levels on Thursday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring past 200 and triggering health concerns for residents, particularly those with heart and respiratory issues. Multiple monitoring stations showed AQI values between 203 and 222, pushing Ahmedabad into pollution levels often associated with Delhi’s winter smog.
The slow onset of winter and fluctuating temperatures have worsened pollution, leading to dense early-morning haze that is making it harder for people to breathe.
PM10 levels rose sharply across the city, with Thaltej and Bodakdev among the worst-hit areas, both crossing the 220 mark.
Doctors say cases of cough, cold and bronchitis have increased, adding that fine particulate matter is penetrating deep into the lungs and elevating the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Those who have previously had Covid-19 may be more vulnerable, and experts recommend wearing masks outdoors.
Despite crores spent on pollution-control measures under initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, experts say improvements remain minimal and many plans exist largely on paper.