Bhubaneswar's Air Quality Shows Significant Improvement
The air quality in Bhubaneswar has taken a positive turn over the last three days. According to data released by the State Pollution Control Board on Monday, the city's air quality index has moved from the hazardous category into the moderate range. The three-day average AQI now stands at 133, marking a substantial improvement for residents.
From Hazardous to Moderate: A Welcome Change
For a considerable period during December, Bhubaneswar's AQI remained stubbornly high. Readings consistently hovered between 200 and 300, with the index crossing the 300 mark twice last month. However, the situation changed dramatically over the weekend. On Saturday, the AQI dropped to 136. It remained at 120 on Sunday and recorded 142 on Monday, showing consistent improvement.
Senior environmental scientist Niranjan Mallick from the SPCB confirmed the positive trend. "Such measures have started showing a positive result and one can feel it while breathing," Mallick stated. "The ambient air pollution has reduced significantly. After we flagged concerns, the civic body swung into action and strictly put curbs on the contributory factors."
Effective Measures Behind the Improvement
Multiple coordinated actions contributed to this air quality turnaround. Authorities increased the frequency of water sprinkling and mist spraying across the city. They implemented a strict ban on open waste burning. Hotels and eateries minimized their use of coal-based chullahs following official advisories.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation officials reported visible changes. Idco roads no longer appear dusty because workers now sprinkle water on them three times daily. Construction activities saw considerable reduction, and most demolition waste piled on roads has been cleared.
Continued Vigilance and Future Plans
BMC additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash explained their ongoing strategy. "We brought out an advisory to stop the use of coal-based chullahs and many adhered to it," Dash said. "Since it has been found that such measures helped reduce pollution level, the same will be in force for at least a month till the end of winter as particles will no longer be suspended in air once summer approaches."
The municipal corporation also issued an advisory to Capital Region Urban Transport, which manages Ama Buses. They recommended regular use of water sprinklers at bus depots where frequent vehicle movement causes dust to rise, creating breathing difficulties for nearby residents.
Targeted Areas and Additional Precautions
SPCB officials identified specific trouble spots within the city. Areas with higher vehicular movement, congested housing and markets, and ongoing construction work showed elevated PM2.5 levels in ambient air. Authorities conducted inspections at popular picnic spots to check whether revellers were using wood-based fuels that contribute to pollution.
Residents have noticed the difference. "When the AQI was between 200 and 300, the city's sky looked smoggy and some were even coughing if they didn't wear a mask," Mallick observed. "That is not happening now." The improved air quality brings relief to Bhubaneswar's citizens as winter continues.
