Assam: Guwahati city chokes as air quality plummets to ‘very poor’

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The air quality in Guwahati has taken a drastic turn for the worse, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 300-mark in several locations, categorizing it as “very poor.” The alarming levels of air pollution have raised severe health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues.

According to recent readings, the highest AQI of 327 was recorded at Railway Colony, followed by IIT Guwahati and LGBI Airport, which reported AQI levels of 277 and 229, respectively, falling under the “Poor” category. The hazardous air quality has sparked widespread concern, with residents struggling to cope with the health and safety challenges posed by the toxic air.

An official from the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), attributed the deteriorating air quality to winter weather patterns and ongoing construction activities. “During winter, the air tends to be denser, and with ongoing construction across the city, it mixes with the fog, resulting in extremely poor air quality for residents,” the official stated.

The situation has prompted calls for immediate measures to curb pollution levels, with residents demanding action from the authorities to address the crisis.

Also Read: Air Quality Worsens in Guwahati and Nalbari Amid Construction and Seasonal Factors

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