Panipat’s moderate AQI raises concerns over pollution monitoring practices

The consistent Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Panipat, an industrial hub, have sparked concerns over the monitoring practices of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). Despite neighbouring towns experiencing severe pollution levels, Panipat's AQI has remained between 183 and 187 for the past 10 days.

The online Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) was installed in Sector 18, a green area surrounded by trees, resulting in AQI readings that have remained stable. In contrast, adjacent districts recorded much higher AQI levels, pointing to deteriorating air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) as winter begins. The Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented GRAP-2 across NCR districts in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi to reduce pollution sources. Despite these efforts, Delhi’s air quality reached severe levels last Thursday.

Panipat’s readings, however, remain an outlier, showing moderate pollution levels despite a high concentration of factories and heavy daily vehicle traffic. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data from the Sameer App, Panipat's AQI varied between 183 and 187 over 11 days, with a temporary increase to 211 on November 1.

Meanwhile, adjoining Karnal recorded AQIs as high as 303, and neighbouring Sonepat and Jind districts experienced "very poor" air quality. Environmentalists in Panipat, such as Amit Kumar, allege that the CAAQMS was relocated to the Sector 18 community centre surrounded by trees, which could lead to lower AQI readings. "Initially, it was set up at the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) office, where AQI readings were higher. The relocation seems aimed at appeasing industrialists," claimed Kumar.

Environmental activist Varun Gulati expressed similar concerns, saying “It’s shocking that Panipat’s AQI reads as moderate while adjoining districts show very poor air quality. The monitoring system, surrounded by high trees, fails to reflect the actual AQI of the Textile City.”

Gulati suggested relocating the monitoring station to more industrial areas such as Sector 25, Pasina Road, and Sewah Road to obtain accurate AQI data. He added that the CAAQMS display was also damaged and failed to show current AQI levels.