The residents of Chandigarh breathed 'poor' quality air on Thursday, as the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) settled in the unhealthy range. The day's average reading stood at 254, firmly placing it in the 'poor' category according to official standards. However, the situation was notably more severe in specific sectors, with one monitoring station recording air that was significantly worse.
Sector-Wise Breakdown Reveals Disparity
The pollution levels were not uniform across the City Beautiful. Data from key monitoring stations painted a concerning picture of localized deterioration. The air quality around the Sector 22 station remained in the 'poor' range for most of the daylight hours. However, it took a sharp turn for the worse in the evening, slipping into the 'very poor' category for a two-hour period. The average AQI for this location was recorded at 277.
Sector 25 Emerges as Pollution Hotspot
The most alarming readings came from the Sector 25 monitoring station. Here, the air quality was measurably worse than the city's average. Sector 25 registered an average AQI of 280, placing it at the higher end of the 'poor' spectrum and dangerously close to the 'very poor' classification. This indicates a heightened health risk for people living and working in that vicinity.
A Glimmer of Relative Improvement in Sector 53
In contrast to the troubling numbers from Sectors 22 and 25, the Sector 53 area fared somewhat better. This station reported an average AQI of 205, which is still categorized as 'poor' but is a lower value than the other two locations. There were even periods during the day when the air quality in Sector 53 improved to the 'moderate' level, offering temporary respite. This disparity highlights how micro-climates and local emission sources can drastically affect pollution readings within the same city.
Understanding the Health Implications
An AQI in the 'poor' range, between 201 and 300, carries a public health advisory. It suggests that sensitive groups, including people with lung or heart disease, older adults, and children, may experience adverse health effects. The general public, while less likely to be affected, could still notice minor breathing discomfort. The brief dip into the 'very poor' category (301-400) in Sector 22 signals a more serious threat where prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory illness. The consistently high readings in Sector 25 warrant immediate attention from both citizens and authorities.
The fluctuating yet persistently poor air quality in Chandigarh underscores the ongoing challenge of urban pollution. It serves as a critical reminder for vulnerable populations to take necessary precautions, such as limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during evening hours when pollution often peaks. Monitoring real-time AQI data becomes essential for planning daily activities and safeguarding health.
