Questioning Odisha’s Air Quality (AQI)—Is It Time to Act?

The recent Air Quality Index (AQI) report released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has once again highlighted the alarming air pollution levels in Odisha. While several cities in the state reported ‘moderate’ or ‘satisfactory’ air quality, Barbil in Keonjhar district recorded a ‘poor’ AQI of 258, making it the most polluted location in the state over the last 24 hours. The primary culprit? PM10, a particulate pollutant that poses severe health risks.

Breathing clean air should not be a privilege—it is a fundamental right.

Understanding AQI and Its Impact

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to measure and communicate the level of air pollution. It ranges from 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality. The categories are as follows:

• 0-50 (Good): Air quality poses little or no risk.
• 51-100 (Satisfactory): Acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals may experience minor respiratory discomfort.
• 101-200 (Moderate): Breathing discomfort for sensitive groups.
• 201-300 (Poor): Prolonged exposure may cause health effects, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
• 301-400 (Very Poor): Increased likelihood of severe respiratory ailments.
• 401-500 (Severe): Serious health impacts for all, requiring emergency measures.

With an AQI of 258, Barbil’s air quality is well into the ‘poor’ category, raising serious concerns for public health. Even in areas where air quality is classified as ‘moderate,’ such as Rourkela (190), Baripada (188), and Angul (177), prolonged exposure can lead to severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The Role of Major Pollutants

The primary pollutant in Barbil and several other cities was PM10, or Particulate Matter 10, which consists of airborne particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These particles, often generated from mining, vehicular emissions, and construction activities, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing chronic respiratory diseases. Similarly, PM2.5, a finer particulate matter found in cities like Angul and Rourkela, is even more dangerous as it can enter the bloodstream and trigger cardiovascular complications.

Additionally, Ozone (O₃) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) were recorded as major pollutants in Baripada and Nayagarh, respectively. While ozone at ground level is harmful to lung function, NO₂ is known to cause inflammation in the airways, exacerbating asthma and reducing lung function over time.

Disparities in Air Quality: A Cause for Concern

Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the twin cities of Odisha, recorded relatively better air quality levels, with AQI values of 91 (satisfactory) and 122 (moderate), respectively. However, the sharp contrast between these urban centers and industrial hubs like Barbil, Rourkela, and Talcher raises an important question—why are certain areas suffering disproportionately?

• Industrialization and Mining: Cities like Barbil, Angul, and Talcher have significant mining and industrial activities, contributing to increased particulate pollution.
• Urban Planning and Green Cover: While Bhubaneswar and Cuttack benefit from better urban planning and vegetation cover, industrial regions lack adequate environmental safeguards.
• Regulatory Oversight: Are pollution control measures being effectively implemented in these heavily affected areas?

A Call for Immediate Action

Clean air is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health necessity. Exposure to high levels of pollution increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases like asthma. If Odisha is to ensure the well-being of its citizens, decisive action must be taken:

1. Strengthening pollution control regulations in industrial and mining regions.
2. Implementing air quality monitoring systems with real-time public alerts.
3. Increasing green cover through afforestation programs in high-pollution zones.
4. Encouraging cleaner technologies in industries and promoting renewable energy sources.
5. Strict enforcement of vehicular emission norms to curb pollution from transportation.

The situation in Barbil and other industrial towns should serve as a wake-up call. If corrective measures are not taken immediately, the health consequences could be dire. It is time for both the government and industries to prioritize clean air, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all.