Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital welcomed the New Year under a thick blanket of smog, with air quality plunging to hazardous levels and raising serious public health concerns. On New Year morning, Bhubaneswar recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the severe to hazardous category, as dense fog combined with pollution to sharply reduce visibility and worsen breathing conditions across the city.
Residents reported visibility dropping to nearly 50 metres in several localities, disrupting road traffic and daily commutes. The smog lingered well into the morning, forcing motorists to drive cautiously on highways and urban roads.
Health and environment experts attribute the sudden spike in pollution to a mix of winter-related atmospheric conditions and human activity. “During winter, low wind speed and temperature inversion trap pollutants close to the ground,” an air quality expert explained. “The situation is aggravated by emissions from vehicles, industries, and the widespread bursting of firecrackers during New Year celebrations.”
Firecrackers, commonly used to mark festivities, release a high concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide, and toxic metals into the air. When combined with dense fog, these pollutants remain suspended for longer periods, significantly deteriorating air quality. Doctors warn that such conditions can trigger respiratory distress, asthma attacks, eye irritation, and cardiovascular complications, especially among children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses.
Industrial regions in Odisha also saw alarming pollution levels, with Keonjhar recording an AQI of 266 and Angul 263, both falling in the severe category. However, Bhubaneswar’s status as a densely populated urban centre makes the health impact particularly worrying.
Public health specialists have advised residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks if stepping out, and seek medical attention in case of breathing difficulty. They have also urged authorities to strengthen pollution control measures and promote awareness about the health impacts of firecracker use.
As Odisha begins the year under polluted skies, experts stress that sustained action—ranging from cleaner transport and industrial regulation to responsible celebration practices—is crucial to prevent such hazardous air quality episodes from becoming a recurring New Year reality.
