Bhubaneswar: The air quality in five Odisha cities continued to be very poor, primarily owing to the occurrence of dense fog which prevents the pollutants from leaving the stratosphere.
As per the air quality index (AQI) published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 4.00 pm on Wednesday, the average AQI of Bhubaneswar was 305 (very poor), Cuttack 332 (very poor), Angul 330 (very poor), Balasore 373 (very poor), and Baripada 334 (very poor).
Emissions from vehicular traffic, mining and industrial activities, and the occurrence of dense for are said to be responsible for the poor air quality in these cities. In Angul district has several coal mines and transportation of coal in open trucks and dumpers has worsened the situation there.