Bhubaneswar, Jan 3: Air quality in several parts of Odisha deteriorated sharply on Saturday, with pollution levels slipping into the “Very Poor” category and surpassing even those recorded in the national capital, Delhi, according to readings taken at 12 noon.

As per the National Air Quality Index (AQI), Talcher Coalfields emerged as the most polluted location in the state, registering an alarming AQI of 347, firmly placing it in the “Very Poor” category. Hakimapada in Angul and Meher Colony in Baripada also reported extremely poor air quality, both recording AQI levels of 326. In Bhubaneswar, the Lingraj Mandir area witnessed severe pollution with an AQI of 317.

In comparison, Delhi’s Nehru Nagar recorded an AQI of 320, also categorised as “Very Poor.” However, several other monitoring stations in the capital fared better than Odisha’s pollution hotspots. Vivek Vihar recorded an AQI of 279, Ashok Vihar 274, and DTU 247, all falling under the “Poor” category.

Within Odisha, Cuttack’s CDA area registered an AQI of 305, while Kalidaspur in Balasore recorded 297. Patia in Bhubaneswar stood at 282, indicating poor air quality. Meanwhile, districts such as Barbil, Keonjhar and Nayagarh reported moderate air quality, with AQI levels ranging between 120 and 168.

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