GUWAHATI: Guwahati’s air quality was recorded at 258 PM2.5 levels on Tuesday, January 28, positioning it in the ‘Poor’ category amongst India’s cities. This was revealed in the daily Air Quality Index report released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
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The ambient air quality has worsened over the past few days, with the city being placed as the 6th most air-polluted city in India. The report revealed only five other cities more polluted than Guwahati, including Delhi (276), Howrah (282), Kunjemura (274), Samastipur (272), and Talcher (273).
Since January 20, Guwahati's AQI has refused to lower between 250. An AQI above 200 is generally considered harmful, potentially causing breathing discomfort for most people.
Construction activities, particularly flyover projects, have been identified as a primary cause of rising pollution. The ongoing GNB flyover construction is reportedly acting as a major contributor to the ongoing dust pollution plaguing the city.
Relatably, Byrnihat near Assam continues to register as the most polluted city of India at PM2.5 levels of 362. The second-most polluted city in India is Bihar’s Hajipur at 312.