Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi Among India’s Most Polluted Cities After Diwali

Jaipur — A day after Diwali celebrations, air quality across Rajasthan deteriorated sharply on Tuesday, with Bhiwadi (Khairthal–Tijara) emerging among the top 10 most polluted cities in India. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 338, firmly placing it in the “very poor” category.

Several other cities — including Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, Dholpur, and Bharatpur — also reported poor to severe air quality, with AQI readings well above 200. Health experts have urged residents, especially those suffering from asthma and respiratory ailments, to take precautions as pollution levels surge.

On Monday, AQI levels across much of Rajasthan hovered between 130 and 170. By Tuesday, those levels had risen sharply, surpassing 200 in most cities. Bhiwadi, part of the National Capital Region (NCR) and an industrial hub, recorded the state’s highest AQI at 338.

Other key cities also saw alarming figures:

• Dholpur: 264

• Ajmer: 239

• Alwar: 218

• Bharatpur: 242

• Churu: 219

• Jodhpur: Above 250

In Jaipur, the state capital, air pollution worsened across all monitored zones. Shastri Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 287, followed by Vidyadhar Nagar (287), Sitapura (275), Pratap Nagar (275), Jagatpura (275), Adarsh Nagar (256), and Raja Park (256). Even commercial areas like MI Road and Chandpole (Chardiwari) reported AQI levels of 238, up from “moderate” levels recorded on Diwali eve.

According to environmental experts, low wind speed and cloud cover have worsened pollution levels by trapping particulate matter and smoke close to the ground. The combined emissions from firecrackers, vehicles, and industrial activities have created a dense layer of pollutants over urban areas.

A day-by-day comparison shows a clear post-Diwali spike:

• Bhiwadi: 289 (Oct 20) → 338 (Oct 21)

• Dholpur: 245 → 264

• Ajmer: 124 → 239

• Alwar: 125 → 218

• Bharatpur: 115 → 242

• Churu: 166 → 219

• Jodhpur: above 250 on both days

Experts warn that air quality may remain poor for the next few days unless wind speeds pick up or rainfall helps disperse the accumulated pollutants.

With inputs from IANS