Angul and Talcher in Odisha are among India’s most polluted cities, with Angul’s AQI at 323 and Talcher’s at 302. Industrial emissions are a key factor.

While Delhi remains the most polluted city in India on Friday with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 371, the air quality in Bhubaneswar remains moderate or medium quality during the ongoing winter.

As per reports, Bhubaneswar remains under the Red Category zone with Air Quality Index (AQI) of 171 today. If the AQI remains within 151-200, the city falls under Red Category. It suggests that the air quality is harmful for the health in the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

While the Air Quality Index was satisfactory in Bhubaneswar in 2023, it has become moderate in 2024.

“Air Quality Index is deteriorating in Bhubaneswar due to construction activities. The dust particles are remaining in the lower layer due to lower temperature in winter. Hence Air Quality Index (AQI) is showing an upward curve,” said Niranjan Mallick, Chief Environmentalist of Odisha Pollution Control Board.

“The situation in Bhubaneswar has not become that much alarming like Delhi. AQI is remaining within the range of 150-160 in Bhubaneswar which is moderate. AQI is increasing due to construction activities and vehicular emissions. EQI could be reduced with the use of more and more e-vehicles,” he added.

Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi witnessed a slight improvement today after it was recorded in the ‘severe plus’ category for over a week. The Air Quality Index (AQI) today stood at 371, under the very ‘poor category’, a brief respite for residents of the national capital.

While Delhi was the most polluted city in the country today, Lucknow and Patna took the second and third spots with an AQI of 367 and 249, respectively, under the ‘very poor’ category.