Agartala: Air pollution in Tripura’s capital has raised fresh concerns after Agartala recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 264 on Monday, the highest among Indian cities falling under the ‘Poor’ air quality category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The CPCB’s daily air quality bulletin, issued at 4 pm, assessed pollution levels across 266 cities nationwide. Of these, 20 cities recorded ‘Good’ air quality, 117 were classified as ‘Satisfactory’ and 116 fell under the ‘Moderate’ category. The remaining 13 cities, including Agartala, reported ‘Poor’ air quality.

Among the other cities in the ‘Poor’ category, Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh recorded an AQI of 256, followed by Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan at 237. Paradip in Odisha and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan both registered AQI readings of 235.

According to CPCB standards, an AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the ‘Poor’ category. Prolonged exposure to air in this range may cause breathing discomfort and other health complications, particularly among children, elderly people and individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses.

The latest figures have brought urban air pollution in Agartala into sharper focus, particularly following the city’s recent large-scale festive activities. However, the exact reasons behind the deterioration remain unclear, and experts caution against linking the rise in pollution to any particular activity without scientific evidence.

Vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activities and other local sources could potentially contribute to deteriorating air quality. Determining their respective impact, however, would require detailed pollutant-specific data and scientific assessment.

Environmental observers have stressed the need for continuous monitoring of air quality, analysis of readings from different monitoring stations and comparisons with pollution levels recorded over previous days. Such assessments would help establish whether Monday’s reading was a temporary spike or an indication of a sustained pollution problem.

The development has also renewed calls for stronger pollution-monitoring mechanisms, effective implementation of control measures and greater public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality.

Although the AQI reading of 264 does not establish the precise sources of pollution, Agartala’s position at the top of the ‘Poor’ category has highlighted the need for closer attention from environmental authorities and sustained efforts to improve the city’s air quality.