Himachal Pradesh News
Baddi News : Air turns hazardous in Baddi as AQI spikes to 345, PM2.5 levels trigger health alarm
Air quality in Baddi deteriorated sharply as AQI touched 345, driven by dangerously high PM2.5 levels, raising serious health concerns for residents.
Close on the heels of Delhi battling severe air pollution, Himachal Pradesh’s industrial hub of Baddi has witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surging to a hazardous 345 on Thursday evening.
An AQI above 200 is considered unhealthy, particularly for children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiac ailments. The spike in Baddi has raised serious public health concerns, with data showing dangerously high levels of particulate matter, especially PM2.5 — a pollutant capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Though the AQI showed a marginal improvement during the day, dropping to 302 by 2.05 pm and further to 280 by 4 pm, it continued to remain far above safe limits. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that PM2.5 was the dominant pollutant, accompanied by alarming concentrations of PM10.
PM2.5 levels peaked at a staggering 455, while PM10 touched 483, with the worst readings recorded around 8 am before easing slightly as the day progressed. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties and worsening of asthma and bronchitis. Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
Environmental experts attribute the sudden spike to a combination of industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust and the use of pet coke as industrial fuel. Although the state government permitted the use of pet coke with sulphur content not exceeding seven per cent by weight in May, experts point to weak monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance, a lapse reflected in the elevated PM2.5 levels.
Responding to the situation, Assistant Environment Engineer of the State Pollution Control Board, Pawan Chauhan, has written to officials of the Public Works Department, HIMUDA, industries and the municipal corporation, urging immediate preventive measures. These include a strict ban on biomass burning, regular sprinkling of water on roads and better road maintenance to curb dust generation.
Chauhan also sought the cooperation of the Baddi police to improve traffic management. Overloaded commercial vehicles frequently stranded on congested roads add to vehicular emissions. Measures such as stringent checks on overloading and pollution under control certificates have been recommended to mitigate the crisis.
