Chandigarh, October 30* — Chandigarh air quality took a concerning turn as the Air Quality Index (AQI) sharply deteriorated from ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ and even ‘very poor’ over the weekend. On Sunday, the city registered an AQI of 163, which, by Monday, escalated to 261, prompting health concerns and monitoring from the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).
Chandigarh Air quality monitoring stations in the city revealed alarming data as the day progressed. In Sector 53, the AQI soared to 331 in the evening, while Sector 22 recorded an AQI of 325 during the same period, both indicating a ‘very poor’ air quality status. Over the past 24 hours, these stations consistently showed AQI levels ranging from ‘poor’ to ‘very poor,’ underscoring a significant shift in the city’s air quality status.
The AQI crossed the critical 200 mark on October 23, marking the season’s first severe dip in air quality, with an average AQI of 215, compared to 191 recorded a day prior on October 22. The rising pollution levels have prompted authorities to stay vigilant as the situation unfolds.The CPCC, continuously monitoring the pollution spike, warned that if air quality persists in the ‘very poor’ range, it may require the municipal corporation to activate the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan outlines a series of measures aimed at reducing pollution levels, specifically targeting Chandigarh’s status as a “non-attainment city.”
Under GRAP, actions range from curbing construction dust to restricting vehicular movement in severely affected zones, among other strategies.With winter approaching and air quality further at risk, officials urge residents to limit outdoor exposure, especially during high-pollution hours, and to follow any forthcoming advisories for public health and safety.
