Bhubaneswar, Nov 26: Air pollution in Angul city has surged to alarming levels, making it the sixth most polluted city in India on Wednesday. Around 1 pm, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) station at Hakimapada recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 339, a figure dangerously close to the pollution levels witnessed in Delhi.

For comparison, Delhi’s Anand Vihar station reported an AQI of 355, while Chandni Chowk recorded 325 and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium reported 328. The sharp rise in pollution levels indicates that air quality in Angul is now nearly comparable to some of the worst-affected areas in the national capital.

The situation was not much better in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, which also recorded poor air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the OSPCB station near Lingaraj Mandir in Bhubaneswar logged an AQI of 328, while the CDA Area station in Cuttack recorded 324.

Other monitoring stations in Odisha showed concerning levels too: Patia (Bhubaneswar) – 311, Kalidaspur (Balasore) – 249, Talcher Coalfields – 247, and Rourkela Fertilizer Township – 99.

Environmental experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution levels can severely affect public health, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

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