Foggy weather, air pollution spike cause disparity in AQI readings

Disparity has been observed in formal AQI ratings in Jalandhar, maintained by various air quality trackers, meters and maps as compared to the government portal. These disparities coincide with severely foggy weather and a spike in air pollution levels felt by citizens.

While the AQI tracker (of a private portal) on one’s laptop, flashes a “severe” air quality warning (of AQI 500) with the advisory not to step outside, the government’s national live air quality index records a moderate air quality level of 90 AQI and the PPCB machine recorded an average of 87 this afternoon. At the same time, privately installed AQI meters at a residence in Jalandhar, recorded an AQI (PM 2.5) of 424 this afternoon.

Checks on various online websites and mapping portals between 3.30 pm to 4 pm this afternoon, showed the Jalandhar AQI levels as different —- 500, 177, 424 and 87 —- on various websites.

While philanthropist couple Prakash Sondhi and Neena Sondhi have an AQI meter installed at their residence for several years now, their Air Veda meters recorded an AQI (PM 2.5) of 290 at 7.58 am in the morning and a whopping AQI of 424 at 4 pm (in the Football Chowk) area this afternoon. Notably, the Air Veda firm has also formal collaborations with government and municipal corporations in many cities where their meters are installed.

Speaking to The Tribune, Neena Sondhi said, “The AQI levels in the past few days have been very concerning. We have installed air purifiers at our home. And today, the readings indicated that the AQI was better inside than outside. Our AQI meters recorded an AQI of 290 at 7.58 this morning and 424 in the afternoon, between 3.30 to 4 pm. The deterioration in environment is concerning and reflects in the air quality. We are trying, but all of us must do our bit to conserve the environment.”

Dr HJ Singh, chest physician and bronchoscopist, said, “There has been a significant increase in numbers and severity in respiratory disease patients we are getting this season. Many more patients with severe episodes are being reported.

In some cases, people without any history of respiratory trouble had sudden viral pneumonia triggered due to lung problems. Also, small children are being reported with bronchiolitis, caused by inflammation in airways. Pollutants being trapped by fog during the season are among the causes for aggravation in respiratory problems. Air pollution plays a key role in the severity of respiratory disorders. The best way to ensure lung health is by staying in a clean environment surrounded by trees. That is why green cover is pivotal.”

Notably, even as pollution levels increased during stubble fires earlier in the year, there has also been a dramatic rise in residents setting solid waste piles on fire to get rid of garbage in their areas, which also gives way to toxic polluting fumes.

Sandeep Kumar, Environmental Engineer, PPCB, Jalandhar said, “The AQI formally recorded by our machine installed at the Circuit House (this afternoon) is 87 which means it is within moderate levels. As far as other meters are concerned, our Rs 1.5 crore machine is the most reliable for checking AQI in Jalandhar. There might be minor differences in AQI depending on the area. We are also holding regular plantation drives to encourage better green cover, including planting

of forests.”

Sandeep Kumar said the PPCB does not monitor vehicular traffic data, though there had been studies on it. He said the department will also look into the issue of garbage fires and tie up with the Municipal Corporation to get garbage removed from various areas.