Bhubaneswar: After being engulfed in a thick blanket of smog post-Diwali celebrations, Odisha’s twin cities have finally witnessed an improvement in air quality.
As per report, pollution levels in Bhubaneswar and Kataka declined on Tuesday morning, bringing the Air Quality Index (AQI)back to the moderate category.
According to data recorded at 9:05 am today, Bhubaneswar logged an AQI of 138, while Kataka recorded 125. The figures are significantly better compared to the last few days when both cities were reeling under poor air quality due to bursting of firecrackers and unfavourable weather conditions. The deterioration was evident in the data.
Bhubaneswar’s AQI, which was 112 on November 7, had shot up to 163 on November 8 and further worsened to 208 on November 9 – falling in the poor category. Similarly, Cuttack’s air quality declined sharply from 159 on November 7 to a high of 231 on November 8, before slightly coming down to 193 on November 9.
Environmentalists attributed the post-Diwali spike to large-scale bursting of crackers, vehicular emissions and low wind speed which trapped pollutants close to the ground.
Though the current readings have brought respite, officials said the air quality still remains in the moderate range and advised vulnerable groups, including children, elderly and those with respiratory ailments, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when stepping out.
