Guwahati’s Air Quality Index Reaches ‘Poor’ Category on January 18

The air quality of Guwahati which is the industrial hub of Assam and certainly one of the busiest towns within the north east of India took a large hit on 18 January with the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the town becoming part of the ‘Poor’ category. The Air Quality Index, which inform people about the dangers from pollution, has emerge as a extensive subject for human beings and authorities entities alike, mainly in wintry weather whilst air quality tends to take a flip for the worse.

Understanding the AQI

The Air Quality Index in numerical shape represents the level of air pollution and its capability impact on human health. It is categorised into six groups: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500). An AQI of ‘Poor’, that is from 201 to 300, core air quality is unhealthy at some stage in the populations, inclusive of youngsters, older adults, and people with respiration or cardiovascular diseases.

Factors Contributing to Worsening Air Quality

Several factors have contributed to the deteriorating levels of air quality in Guwahati. The main offenders include:

1. Vehicle Emission: As population is increasing and urbanization is booming, number of cars and other automobile has suddenly increased on the roads of the city Guwahati. As such, the emission of toxic substances, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2. 5 and PM10).
2. Industrial Activities: The city and its surroundings have industrial regions, stone quarries, and numerous brick factories that dangerously add to air pollution. These operations release toxic gases and fine particles into the air.
3. Construction Activities and Dust: Constant construction activities and unpaved roads result in dust pollution, which significantly degrades air quality during dryness coupled with wind.
4. The practice of burning off agricultural residue: Burning off crop stubble in fields next door is illegal, but despite that, it is still happening, putting tremendous amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
5. Geography & Weather: Owing to geographical conditions and the fact that winter weather patterns have low wind speeds and temperature inversions, in the region the pollutants tend to remain at lower temperatures and thus, do not disperse effectively.

Raised the issue of Black Carbon Emissions in the North East under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha. As Guwahati's air quality worsens, we must wake up to the reality that air pollution is not just a Delhi problem!
Urgent need to improve monitoring and mitigate sources @mygovassam pic.twitter.com/P22QX9gs8y

— Pradyut Bordoloi (@pradyutbordoloi) December 17, 2022

Health Effects

The poor air quality in Guwahati has severe health consequences for its residents. Many respiratory and heart health issues, such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular illnesses, can be caused by exposure to toxic contaminants. Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are at greater risk. City health officials have urged those groups to limit time spent outside and to use air purifiers and masks as needed.

NEWS | Guwahati's AQI Reaches 'Poor' Category On Jan 18

Guwahati’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to an alarming 165 on January 18, placing the city firmly in the ‘Poor’ category.

The current PM2.5 concentration significantly exceeds the recommended safe limits, raising health… pic.twitter.com/wQaHgoMF8r

— GPlus (@guwahatiplus) January 18, 2025

Community Actions

While the initiatives from the government is important, so is the involvement from the community. Reporting local efforts for improving air quality These actions consist of:

1. Reduce Carpooling and use of Public Transport: Promote carpooling and public transport to reduce the number of cars on the road.
2. Sustainable Workplaces: Businesses and institutions are going green with sustainable materials and promotion of reduced waste.
3. Take Part in Regularly Scheduled Clean-Up Initiatives: Clean up events are scattered around to lessen littering and dust pollution. The Takeaway Guwahati’s worsening pollution levels highlight the vital need for continued and collaborative action to reduce pollution.

Future Expectations

Areas for improvement could be:

1. Public Transport Investment: Developing and upgrading public transporting networks to provide a reliable and greener alternative to using private vehicles
2. Advanced Emission Control Technologies: Advocate for the adoption of advanced emission control technologies in industries and vehicles to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants. Urban planning to ease congestion and upgrade the road network to minimize dust and emissions from vehicles
3. Environmental Education: Schools and communities should engage with environmental education programs to cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship and sustainability. The health and quality of life enjoyed by Guwahati’s residents depend on the city’s ability to protect and improve its air quality. Through this partnership, government, private enterprises and the community can work together to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment for everyone.

Conclusion

In summary, ‘Poor’ air quality found in Guwahati on January 18 acts as an urgent reminder for both citizens and officials. This case highlights the vital necessity for set off and ongoing measures to fight pollution and guard the fitness of the community. By working collectively, Guwahati has the potential to transform towards a future with cleaner air and a healthier environment.

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