Air quality in Guwahati turns ‘Very Poor’ with AQI at 307

Guwahati residents are facing a severe air pollution crisis, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reading 307 in the Very Poor category.

The primary pollutant, PM2.5, was measured at 106 g/m3 at 7 a.m. on February 22, well above the World Health Organization’s safe limits. Some areas of the city also reported a 318 AQI drop.

The hazardous air quality is a cause of great concern for the citizens of Guwahati and could lead to respiratory illnesses, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions of the lungs or heart.

Several children have already been admitted to the GMCH after they reported to have faced respiratory issues related to the pollution.

In order to protect themselves from the polluted air, citizens are advised to avoid outdoor activities and to keep their windows and doors closed.

The use of air purifiers, if available, has been encouraged, and masks are being advised for those who must go out of the house.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) National AQI bulletins, the level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants deteriorated to “severe” levels around the Railway Colony monitoring station around 10 p.m. on Sunday night.

Even as early as 6 a.m. on Monday, the PM 2.5 level remained in the “very poor” category, rising throughout the day to a high of 353 around 10 a.m.

The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) National AQI bulletins for February 21 show that the level of PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants deteriorated to “unhealthy” levels around the Railway Colony monitoring station around 7 p.m.