Uttarayan celebrations in Ahmedabad were hit by worsening air quality and intense cold on Tuesday, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipping into the ‘poor’ category.
Official data showed AQI levels between 200 and 250 in many parts of the city, with pollution peaking in several western and northern localities. Dense smog, vehicular emissions and extensive use of firecrackers during kite flying led to a spike in PM2.5 and PM10 levels, reducing visibility and causing breathing discomfort for residents.
Cold conditions persisted across Gujarat, with Naliya recording the lowest temperature in the state at 5.2°C. Parts of Kutch and Saurashtra witnessed a further dip in temperatures. Ahmedabad registered a minimum of 12.6°C, while Vadodara recorded 14.4°C.
Despite the chill, kite flyers gathered on rooftops early in the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said wind speeds of 5–15 kmph on January 14 were favourable for kite flying. The weather is expected to remain dry over the next seven days, with cold conditions likely to continue.
Health experts have advised residents—especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments—to take precautions, as winter pollution can worsen breathing-related problems.
AQI levels across Ahmedabad
- Bodakdev: 213
- Chandkheda: 206
- Chandranagar: 173
- Ghuma: 208
- Gota: 358
- Gyaspur: 199
- Shahibaug: 229
- 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