Bhubaneswar: The air quality index (AQI) in Bhubaneswar remained at a moderate level in February, significantly lower than that of Delhi, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
In a written reply to a question from Sonepur MLA Niranjan Pujari, Minister Singhkhuntia stated that while Bhubaneswar experiences “Good” (0–50) or “Satisfactory” (51–100) air quality between March and October, AQI levels generally rise to “Moderate” (101–200), or occasionally “Poor” (201–300), during November to February.
He added that detailed records of Bhubaneswar’s AQI have been maintained since January 2025. The report indicated that in 2025, the annual average AQI in Delhi was 223, whereas Bhubaneswar recorded an average of 88, highlighting that air pollution in the Odisha capital is significantly lower than in the national capital.
To further improve air quality, the minister said that the State Pollution Control Board and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation are implementing a range of measures. These include road widening and construction, prohibition of waste burning, and large-scale tree plantation drives across the city.
“Continuous monitoring and preventive measures are being strengthened to maintain and improve air quality in Bhubaneswar,” Singhkhuntia added.
