Panchkula has alarmingly emerged as the fourth most polluted city across India, according to the latest 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) data recorded on Sunday. The city's air quality plummeted into the 'Very Poor' category, sparking urgent health warnings and raising significant questions about environmental governance.
Severe Air Quality and National Ranking
Official data reveals that Panchkula registered a concerning AQI of 339. This placed it just behind three other severely polluted cities: Delhi (377), Ghaziabad (364), and Singrauli (341). The 'Very Poor' categorization indicates that the air poses a substantial health risk to the entire population, with more severe impacts on vulnerable groups.
Public Anger and Alleged Governance Failures
Local citizens have voiced strong frustration against the authorities, citing a persistent failure to control the open burning of garbage and dry waste in multiple areas. Residents directly link the toxic air to poor solid waste management systems, where uncollected waste piles are left to decompose or be burnt, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the pollution monitoring mechanism of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) in Panchkula is under scrutiny. Locals allege inadequate ground-level enforcement and delayed responses to repeated complaints, allowing polluters to operate with impunity. The city's history of appearing among the worst performers for air quality suggests a deep-rooted, recurring problem.
Monitoring Inconsistencies and Health Warnings
The credibility of air quality data itself faces doubts. After recording some of the worst air in the country in late October, Panchkula surprisingly reported the second-best air quality in November. This wild fluctuation raises serious questions about the monitoring system, especially given that the entire city relies on only one monitoring station.
Health experts are sounding the alarm, warning that sustained exposure to air with an AQI of 339 can lead to:
- Immediate breathing difficulties and aggravated asthma.
- Increased cardiovascular stress.
- Heightened risks for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
In response to the crisis, residents are demanding immediate and strict action. Their calls include a complete crackdown on open burning, the implementation of effective and scientific waste management measures, and a more transparent and reliable air quality monitoring network to safeguard the city's environment from further deterioration.
