Talcher becomes most polluted city as Odisha air quality worsens

Odisha has recorded alarming levels of air pollution, with Talcher emerging as the most polluted city in the country. Data shows that the state has broken pollution records, with several of its cities reporting very poor to severe Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.

Talcher and Angul have been identified as the most polluted cities in India, raising serious health and environmental concerns. Notably, four cities from Odisha feature among the six most polluted cities in the country where air quality remains in the ‘very poor’ category.

Talcher recorded an AQI of 355

According to the latest figures, Talcher recorded an AQI of 355, making it the worst-affected city nationwide. Angul followed closely with an AQI of 329, while Baripada reported an AQI of 324. Even major urban centres were not spared, with Cuttack registering an AQI of 304 and the state capital Bhubaneswar recording an AQI of 302, both falling under the ‘very poor’ category.

Experts warn such high pollution levels can have serious health impacts, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. Industrial emissions, coal-based activities, vehicular pollution and weather conditions are believed to be major contributors to the deteriorating air quality in the region.

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Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and take precautionary measures. The situation has once again highlighted the urgent need for strong pollution control measures and stricter monitoring to safeguard public health across Odisha.