Sonepat’s Air Turns Toxic: AQI Above 300 for 14 Days, Hospitals Overflowing with Patients
Media Report, Sonipat:
Air quality in Sonepat continues to deteriorate, with Saturday’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 343, which falls under the “very poor” category. For the last 14 consecutive days, the AQI has remained above 300, leading to a rise in breathing problems, eye irritation, cough, and allergies. Despite strict measures and enforcement drives, pollution levels have not improved, causing rising concern among residents.

On Friday, joint teams from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and district administration took action against several industrial units responsible for excessive pollution. Of the 101 sites inspected, 29 industrial units and five construction and demolition (C&D) sites were found violating environmental norms. Additionally, 250 industrial units in Firozpur Bangar were inspected.

Even after large-scale action, compliance remains poor, which experts believe is the reason behind no improvement in air quality. They add that November’s fog, low wind speed, and cold conditions trap pollutants near ground level, causing the AQI to rise quickly.

Rising patient load in hospitals

The worsening pollution has resulted in a sharp increase in patients visiting hospitals. The OPD at the civil hospital has reached 2,000 daily, with a majority suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma, lung infections, allergies, and COPD. Doctors warn that this weather is especially dangerous for asthma, bronchitis, COPD patients, and the elderly and children. People have been advised to wear masks and avoid early morning walks.

Key violations found during inspections

• C&D Sites: Out of 101 inspections, six were C&D sites. Five of these violated norms by lacking dust-control systems, water sprinkling, and leaving debris uncovered.

• Non-compliant areas: Out of 55 units checked, 21—including two C&D sites—were defying pollution-control regulations.

• Industrial zones: Among 46 industrial units examined by joint teams, eight—including three C&D sites—were found with major shortcomings.