Hazy air
Eleven Ahmedabad neighbourhoods recorded severe air quality, with AQI values ranging from 308 to 364. Severe pollution was reported in areas including Gota, Chandkheda, Bopal, Bimanagar, and Ahmedabad Cantonment.
Pandya said even as AMC has made it mandatory for construction sites to cover buildings with green nets or other dust-preventative materials to reduce air pollution, compliance is the question. He added, “This often increases PM10 pollution levels. Construction sites, uncovered building materials, debris, excavation, and the movement of heavy vehicles can all contribute dust to the air. Colder weather and atmospheric conditions can affect pollutant dispersion.
Even as minimum temperatures hover between 25°C and 26°C and maximums around 37°C, the city is experiencing elevated pollution, with PM10 particulate matter identified as the primary pollutant. The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) data puts Ahmedabad’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 252 around 10pm Sunday. Overall, the city registers around 10pm a live AQI of 276 (unhealthy), with average PM2.5 pollution (from dust particles of 2.5 microns) of 121 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) and PM10 (particulate matter measuring up to 10 micrometres) at 163 µg/m³.
Ahmedabad’s real-time air quality data of 11 locations showed “severe” air pollution, according to the aqi.in website. Ahmedabad: The city skyline has worn a layer of haze of late, as air quality deteriorated in several pockets, well before peak winter. But the citywide average masked higher readings in individual areas.