Bhubaneswar, Dec 9: Two cities in Odisha, Angul and Talcher, have earned a spot on the list of India's six most polluted cities, according to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board's Sameer App.
Angul ranks fourth with an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 323, while Talcher follows closely in sixth place at 302. Both cities fall under the ‘very poor’ air quality category, signaling severe health risks for residents.
The primary source of pollution in these areas is industrial emissions, particularly from coal mines, thermal power plants, an aluminum smelter plant, and other industrial activities in the Angul-Talcher industrial belt.
This region has been identified as one of the largest hotspots for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) emissions globally, contributing to the poor air quality.
The situation in Odisha is not limited to just Angul and Talcher. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Balasore have also seen a significant decline in air quality, with their AQI now categorized as ‘very poor.’
Contributing factors include ongoing construction activities and the region's winter weather conditions. Lower temperatures are trapping dust and particulate matter in the lower layers of the atmosphere, intensifying the pollution problem.
Environmental experts are raising alarms about the worsening air quality, emphasizing the serious health risks to residents, especially as many areas continue to experience AQI levels within the 'red' category.
These conditions are considered hazardous to public health, making it critical for authorities to address the root causes of pollution in the region.
