Gurgaon's Air Quality Worsens, Local Factors Drive Pollution Levels
On Wednesday, Gurgaon's air quality index (AQI) settled at 289, categorizing it as poor, marking a slight improvement from Tuesday's reading of 307, which was in the very poor range. This comes after the city endured over two weeks of consistently poor air conditions, largely attributed to local emission sources such as road dust and rampant waste burning.
Temperature Fluctuations and Pollution Data
The maximum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 30.2 degrees Celsius, up from 28.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature dropped to 12.2 degrees Celsius, approximately 1 degree lower than Tuesday's 13.4 degrees Celsius. According to CPCB data, Gurgaon spent most of February breathing poor air, with PM2.5 levels breaching the 300 mark on two occasions: February 4 and February 24.
Station-Wise Variations Highlight Pollution Disparities
Station-wise readings revealed significant variations in air quality across the city. The IMD's Gwalpahari station reported an AQI of 208, classified as poor. In contrast, monitors from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) showed much worse conditions, with Sector 51 logging an AQI of 329 and Vikas Sadan recording 361, both firmly in the very poor category.
Local Factors Identified as Primary Culprits
Officials have linked the deterioration in air quality to local factors rather than long-range transport of pollutants. Residents have alleged that shopkeepers, garbage collectors, sanitation workers, security guards, and slum dwellers frequently burn trash in the open. Key waste burning hotspots include:
- Kherki Daula toll plaza
- Areas along Dwarka Expressway
- Ghata
- Sectors 48, 55, 56, and 65
In addition to waste burning, road dust from damaged surfaces, exposed soil, and ongoing construction activities have significantly contributed to particulate levels, especially during peak traffic hours. Repeated instances of garbage burning have been reported from several pockets, including areas along the Dwarka Expressway near Elan Mall.
Environmental Implications and Regulatory Response
February's trend underscores how quickly Gurgaon's air quality can deteriorate outside the winter pollution season when waste burning and dust control norms are not strictly enforced. Smoke from burning leaves and trash releases PM10, a coarse particle that can embed itself deep in the lungs, posing serious health risks. In response, the HSPCB has stated that they are taking action to curb waste burning and address these environmental challenges.
This report highlights the ongoing struggle with air pollution in Gurgaon, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to protect public health.
