Baddi 4th polluted town of India

The industrial cluster of Baddi was rated as the fourth polluted city of India next only to Byrnihat, Delhi and Noida with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting hazardous levels of 366.

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As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Baddi recorded an AQI of 366 which was marginally lower than 389 of Byrnihat, 378 of Delhi and 376 of Noida. These industrial belt figures are among 11 cities nationally where AQI level exceeded 300 on Saturday afternoon at 2:05 pm.

After maintaining a moderate level of AQI in December 2024, this sudden plunge above 300 indicated a steep deterioration of its air quality which would trigger health concerns especially in the sensitive population.

From AQI level 289 recorded last evening at 4:00 pm, this steep rise indicated how the air has exacerbated in quality in the last 24 hours. Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure is expected under such circumstances.

Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5  has been indicated as the prominent parameter with its maximum level climbing to 500, while its minimum was also as high as 237. Its average level was noted to be at 366.

PM 2.5 is a key indicator of air quality. It refers to particles in the air that are 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. These particles are so small that several thousands of them can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Vehicle emissions, industrial boilers and burning of wood contribute to PM 2.5 in the air.

As per the National Ambient Air Quality norms of the CPCB, the safe limit of PM 2.5 on a 24-hourly basis is 60, while the safe limit of PM 10 is 100. PM 2.5 had exceeded 8.33 times the safe limit, while the PM 10 had exceeded five times the safe limit which was perilous for the health of the individuals.

PM 10 has been identified as the other prominent contributor to the hazardous AQI. Its maximum level too was as high as 500, while its minimum stood at 144 and its average stood at 304.

They comprise particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. PM 10 particles are small enough to pass through the nose and throat, and enter the lungs, where they can trigger several disease of the lung and respiratory tract.

Construction work, industrial emission and burning of wood add to PM 10 in the air. With the four-laning work underway on Baddi-Nalagarh national highway, the roads abound in dust which settles on the vehicles as well as buildings and also causes discomfort to people.