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Panchkula Gasps: Air Quality Plummets to Very Poor
22 Dec
Summary
- Panchkula's AQI reached 339, entering the 'Very Poor' category.
- City ranked fourth most polluted, behind Delhi and Ghaziabad.
- Experts cite cold, low winds, and temperature inversion for pollution.
Panchkula's air quality deteriorated significantly on Sunday, plunging the city into the 'Very Poor' category with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 339. This alarming reading positioned Panchkula as the fourth most polluted city across the country on December 21, 2025. Only Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Singrauli registered higher AQI values, highlighting a widespread pollution issue in north and central India.
Neighbouring Chandigarh, however, saw a slight improvement, with its AQI at 217, still within the 'Poor' range. Experts pointed to a combination of factors, including cold temperatures, low wind speeds, and temperature inversions, as reasons for the elevated pollution. These conditions effectively trap harmful pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the air quality crisis.
Dr. Ravindra Khaiwal advised vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions. He recommended avoiding pollution hotspots and refraining from early morning outdoor activities until conditions improve, emphasizing that fog and smog are preventing pollutant dispersion.
