Ahmedabad’s air quality has deteriorated ahead of Diwali, with the Ahmedabad AQI crossing 150 at several monitoring locations, including residential neighbourhoods, according to a report by Gujarat Samachar. The report attributed the worsening conditions to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, construction dust and recurring fires at the Pirana dumping site.
Readings reported during the first week of November remained above 150 across multiple parts of the city. Nikol and Judges Bungalow recorded an AQI of 159, while Maninagar recorded 157. Isanpur and Chandkheda were at 156, and Naranpura, Rakhial, Ghatlodia, Narol and Shahibaug recorded readings between 154 and 156.
The spread of elevated readings across residential and commercial areas means that the deterioration is not limited to Ahmedabad’s industrial zones. The report said the city’s air had become difficult to breathe in several locations even before Diwali celebrations and warned that firecracker emissions could worsen conditions after the festivities begin.
Industrial activity has been identified as one of the reported sources of pollution. The report named Vatva, Odhav, Narol and Piplaj as areas where factory emissions are affecting air quality. It also alleged that some factories burn old tyres, plastic and waste oil at night. These allegations were not linked in the report to specific facilities or enforcement records.
Vehicle growth and traffic congestion were also cited as contributors, with the report linking them to higher carbon monoxide levels. Construction activity across the city was identified as another source of particulate matter, particularly where dust-control measures are not properly followed at major projects and building sites.
The report further pointed to repeated fires at the Pirana dumping site, saying that smoke and gases from the site continue to affect surrounding areas. It noted that closure notices had previously been issued to some pollution-generating industrial units in and around Vatva, Narol and Odhav, but said air-quality conditions had not returned to acceptable levels.
The health impact is already being reported in the form of eye irritation, throat infections and persistent coughing. The report cited doctors as warning that respiratory emergencies could increase, particularly among children, older people and those with asthma, bronchitis or heart disease. It also said prolonged exposure to polluted air can increase longer-term health risks, although no hospital or health-department data was provided in the report.
Doctors cited by Gujarat Samachar advised older residents, children and people with respiratory conditions to avoid going outdoors in the early morning and late at night and to use masks. The report did not specify any new municipal restrictions, emergency pollution-control measures or official response linked to the latest readings.
