Srinagar, Dec 18: The city is once again enveloped in haze as winter sets in, raising concerns over air quality in the Kashmir Valley.
At the Raj Bagh monitoring station, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 163 on Wednesday, indicating moderately polluted conditions. PM2.5 levels peaked at 238 and PM10 at 216, while average levels stood at 151 and 163 respectively. Meanwhile, online portals reported fluctuating AQI readings ranging from 130 to 215, causing confusion among residents.
J&K Pollution Control Committee (PCB) Member Secretary Vasu Yadav clarified that official lab-based samplers provide the most accurate air quality data. In contrast, real-time monitors used by private platforms can be affected by power fluctuations and equipment limitations.
The PCB attributed elevated particulate matter to cold weather, dry conditions, dust, smoke from roads, fuel combustion, construction activity, and vehicle emissions. While improvements in fuel quality and engine performance have reduced vehicular impact, authorities caution that winter conditions still lead to higher pollution levels.
Residents are urged to rely on official AQI readings rather than fluctuating online reports, as the Valley’s air quality, despite winter peaks, remains better than in many other regions.
