The air quality in five major cities of Odisha remains very poor, primarily due to the persistent occurrence of dense fog trapping pollutants in the atmosphere.
As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, the air quality index (AQI) paints a concerning picture.
Bhubaneswar registers an average AQI of 305 (very poor), Cuttack at 332 (very poor), Angul at 330 (very poor), Balasore at 373 (very poor), and Baripada at 334 (very poor).
Various factors contribute to this grim scenario, including emissions from vehicular traffic, mining, and industrial activities. Additionally, the prevalence of dense fog exacerbates the situation by trapping pollutants in the stratosphere.
Notably, Angul district, home to several coal mines, faces a compounded challenge with the open transportation of coal using trucks and dumpers, further deteriorating the air quality in the region.
Efforts to address these concerns are crucial, and authorities are urged to implement measures that can mitigate the impact of vehicular and industrial emissions, especially in areas like Angul, where coal-related activities contribute significantly to the air quality woes.
