Odisha’s Urban AQI Hits Critical Levels: Angul, Balasore Breathe ‘Very Poor’ Air

Bhubaneswar: In a recent assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality in two urban areas of Odisha has been categorized as ‘very poor’. Angul town recorded an index value of 340, while Balasore town registered a value of 304. Additionally, the capital city Bhubaneswar, was marked as having ‘poor’ air quality with an index value of 277, and Cuttack town scored 284.

K Murugesan, Special Secretary to the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change department, acknowledged the degraded air quality in these areas. He attributed the temporary decline to ongoing construction activities, particularly in Bhubaneswar where Railway authorities are undertaking projects. Similar construction-related issues were identified in Angul and Balasore, contributing to the rise in air pollution.

Prolonged exposure to very poor air quality, as indicated by the CPCB, poses health risks such as respiratory illnesses. Murugesan emphasized the potential consequences, noting that breathing discomfort may develop due to extended exposure to poor air quality. Addressing the concerns raised by the CPCB, he highlighted the need for measures to mitigate the impact of construction activities on air quality in these urban areas.