Air Quality ‘Unhealthy’ in 15 Cities of Rajasthan; Poison in the Air Along with Severe Cold Poses Respiratory Threat

As winter sets in, the air quality in Rajasthan's cities is deteriorating. The air in major cities, including the capital Jaipur, is becoming toxic. Compared to October, the crisis for people's breathing is increasing in the cities in November as well.

Jaipur. With the onset of winter, the air quality in the cities of Rajasthan is deteriorating. The air in major cities, including the capital Jaipur, is becoming toxic. In November, the air quality crisis for residents has worsened compared to October. In Bhiwadi, along with Tonk, Sri Ganganagar, Sikar, and Churu, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 200. Environmental experts state that as winter intensifies, air pollution levels near the ground will continue to rise.

Significantly, despite millions of rupees being spent on reducing air pollution in cities included in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), pollution levels are steadily increasing. In Bhiwadi, which is part of the NCR, the air index reached 298 in November, up from 205 in October. In Bharatpur, the AQI was 156, compared to 138 in October.

NCAP Includes These Cities

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, and Bharatpur from the state are included in the NCAP. Except for Udaipur, all these cities recorded an average AQI of over 150 in November. Additionally, more than 13 other cities in the state also recorded an average AQI above 150.

Budget Also at Risk

Cities included in the NCAP receive a budget from the central government for improving air pollution. However, this budget is only disbursed when the average AQI remains within 125. Due to high pollution levels in Jaipur, the NCAP funds for the previous year could not be received.

These Cities Have AQI Above 150

City	AQI
Kota	154
Sikar	151
Bikaner	151
Alwar	150
Bharatpur	155
Jhalawar	168
Chittorgarh	165
Bundi	156
Dausa	154
Jhunjhunu	153
Bundi (Appeared Twice)	153
Ajmer	151
Jaipur	150
Dholpur	129
Sri Ganganagar	125

These Cities Have AQI Above 200

City	AQI
Jaisalmer	205
Baran	200
Pratapgarh	220
Sri Ganganagar (Second Reading)	207

(Data as per Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board)

Experts Say

The possibility of temperature inversion increases during winter, which can lead to a rise in AQI. Therefore, during winters, gaseous fuels should be used more, while fuels that increase pollution should be avoided.
Dr. Vijay Singhal, Former Chief Engineer, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board