Bhubaneswar: Air quality in Odisha has dipped to “very poor” levels in several regions, surpassing even the national capital, Delhi, according to the latest readings recorded at 12 noon today.
According to the National Air Quality Index (AQI), Talcher Coalfields recorded the highest level at 347, placing it in the ‘Very Poor’ category. Hakimapada in Angul and Meher Colony in Baripada also reported very poor AQI levels of 326, while Lingraj Mandir in Bhubaneswar recorded 317.
In comparison, Delhi’s Nehru Nagar logged an AQI of 320, also classified as “very poor.” Other Delhi stations, including Vivek Vihar (279), Ashok Vihar (274), and DTU (247), fell in the “Poor” category, reflecting lower pollution than some hotspots in Odisha.
Elsewhere in the state, the CDA area in Cuttack (305) and Kalidaspur in Balasore (297) were rated “Poor,” while Patia in Bhubaneswar recorded 282. Northern and western districts like Barbil, Keonjhar, and Nayagarh maintained moderate air quality, with AQI readings between 120 and 168.
