Air Quality Slightly Better Post-Diwali, But Several Cities Still Record Poor AQI

In News: Rajasthan Sees Marginal Improvement in Air Quality Post-Diwali Amid Fluctuating Pollution Levels

Analysis:

1. Context:
   • Following post-Diwali pollution spikes across Rajasthan, marginal improvement in air quality was observed since Tuesday due to clearer skies and changing weather conditions.
   • AQI levels had surged past 300 in several urban pockets on Monday but eased slightly over Tuesday and Wednesday.
2. City-wise Trends:
   • Jaipur: Overall AQI dropped from 272 (Tuesday) to 247 (Wednesday), remaining in the ‘Poor’ category.
   • Adarsh Nagar & Rajapark: AQI fell from 256 to 221.
   • MI Road: AQI improved from 238 to 175, entering the ‘Moderate’ category.
   • Murlipura-Jhotwara: AQI rose from 199 to 246, moving from Moderate to Poor.
   • Mansarovar: Remained heavily polluted at 323 (Very Poor).
3. Statewide Pollution Overview:
   • Top three most polluted cities on Wednesday:
     • Bhiwadi: 363 (Very Poor)
     • Ganganagar: 303 (Very Poor)
     • Hanumangarh: 293 (Poor)
   • Several other cities recorded minor increases in AQI compared to Tuesday.
4. Weather Influence on AQI:
   • Western disturbances and cyclonic circulation on Monday caused anti-clockwise winds, trapping pollutants near the surface and worsening AQI.
   • As weather cleared on Tuesday and cyclonic effects diminished, pollution levels eased, resulting in visibly clearer skies.
5. Health Advisory and AQI Classification:
   • AQI Categories: 0–50 Good, 51–100 Satisfactory, 101–200 Moderate, 201–300 Poor, 301–400 Very Poor, 400+ Severe.
   • Citizens are advised to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and follow public health advisories, particularly in areas with Poor or Very Poor AQI.
6. Significance:
   • The fluctuating air quality post-Diwali underscores the impact of weather patterns on pollution dispersion.
   • Highlights the need for continued monitoring, policy interventions, and adoption of green practices to manage urban air pollution.

Static Information:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): Tool to communicate ambient air quality and associated health risks, based on pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, O₃, SO₂, NO₂, CO, Pb, NH₃.
• Key Polluted Regions in Rajasthan: Bhiwadi, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jaipur.
• Post-Diwali Pollution: Typically results from fireworks, vehicular emissions, and stagnant weather conditions.
  
  Updated - Oct 23, 2025, 03:34 PM | TOI