Baddi Records Himachal’s Highest AQI at 203 After Diwali
Baddi (Solan), November 10: Industrial town Baddi in Himachal Pradesh continues to struggle with air pollution after Diwali, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 203 in the poor category by Monday evening. This was the highest reading among the cities mentioned in the state’s latest air quality data. Baddi’s AQI was recorded at 190 on Sunday morning. Industrial units remained closed that day, bringing a slight dip in pollution levels. However, the AQI climbed again to 203 by Monday evening after industrial units reopened. Air quality had also remained poor on November 7, while pollution levels worsened following fireworks on Diwali night.
AQI Across Himachal Pradesh
Among other locations, Paonta Sahib recorded an AQI of 115, while Sundernagar stood at 64. Una recorded 86, Damtal 70, Parwanoo 54, Kala Amb 80, Barotiwala 93 and Nalagarh 85. Tourist destinations reported comparatively cleaner air. Shimla recorded an AQI of 37, Dharamshala 45 and Manali 38. The readings show that industrial Baddi continued to record significantly higher pollution levels than the other listed cities.
Industrial Effluent and Road Dust Raise Concerns
Laxmi Chand Thakur, president of the Him Parivesh organisation, raised concerns over the operation of effluent treatment plants (ETPs). He said many industrial units do not operate these plants regularly. Atul Parmar, Executive Engineer of the Pollution Control Board in Baddi, attributed part of the pollution problem to poor road conditions in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region. He said moving vehicles raise dust, affecting air quality. Parmar added that letters had been sent to the concerned departments, urging them to take necessary steps to improve road conditions.