Curbs imposed as Talcher tops nationwide AQI list

The Angul district administration Saturday imposed a series of curbs in Talcher after air pollution in the city, a major industrial and coal hub, reached alarming levels making it the most polluted in the country.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

The Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300, categorised as “very poor,” in six cities nationwide Saturday morning. Of these six cities, four are in Odisha.

With an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 355, Talcher ranked as the most polluted city in the country, followed by Angul at second place with an AQI of 329.

While conditions were severe Friday, there was no significant improvement Saturday, raising concerns over prolonged exposure and its impact on public health.

Officials warned that the high pollution levels pose serious risks to lung health, with even morning walkers reporting breathing discomfort.

In view of the “very poor” air quality in the Talcher Municipality area and keeping in mind the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II guidelines, the Angul district administration has issued an order under Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), as per Order No. 19.