Air pollution in Ahmedabad is increasingly alarming. Reports indicate that hazardous particulate matter levels, specifically PM10 and PM2.5, are soaring—up to ten times higher than safe limits. This revelation comes even after the government and the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have invested heavily in pollution control measures.
According to data presented in the Gujarat assembly, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often exceeds 150–200, a clear sign of poor air quality. Monitoring stations recorded PM10 levels ranging from 100 to 150 micrograms per cubic metre between October and January. That’s far above the ideal level of about 15 micrograms per cubic metre.
Even more concerning, PM2.5 levels were documented between 46 and 61 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to a recommended maximum of around five micrograms per cubic metre. These numbers suggest that residents are breathing air that’s roughly ten times worse than what health guidelines recommend.
This situation is striking given that over ₹400 crore has been spent across the state in two years under initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme aimed at tackling this issue.
There are also troubling allegations regarding monitoring practices; reports claim water was sprayed near air quality stations to lower pollution readings temporarily. If true, this could mean actual pollution levels in certain neighborhoods might be significantly worse than reported.
Medical experts stress that fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 poses serious health risks since it can penetrate deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream. This leads to long-term issues like heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and even lung damage.