Rajasthan Air Quality Deteriorates as Winter Sets In; Sawai Madhopur Records Highest AQI

The reading placed Sawai Madhopur in the ‘very poor’ category, with PM2.5 identified as the primary pollutant. The elevated levels have raised concerns about respiratory health, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Several Rajasthan cities report poor air quality

Bikaner recorded an AQI of 273, followed by Dausa at 232, Churu at 231, Sikar at 227, Nagaur at 225, Alwar and Jhunjhunu at 224 each, Karauli at 215, Sri Ganganagar at 213, Jaisalmer at 210 and Jaipur at 207.

PM10 was identified as the principal pollutant in Bikaner.

Several other cities recorded moderate air quality, with AQI readings between 101 and 200. Tonk registered 196, Jodhpur 192, Hanumangarh 186, Deeg 185, Pali 184 and Bharatpur 179.

Jhalawar, Kota, Chittorgarh, Bundi, Bhilwara, Udaipur and Sirohi also reported moderate pollution levels.

Health risks increase with prolonged exposure

Under standard AQI classifications, readings between 201 and 300 fall in the ‘poor’ category and may cause breathing discomfort, particularly among people with existing respiratory conditions. Levels between 301 and 400 are classified as ‘very poor’ and can lead to respiratory illnesses following prolonged exposure.

Children, senior citizens and people with asthma, lung conditions or heart diseases are particularly vulnerable to deteriorating air quality.

Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, especially in areas recording poor and very poor AQI levels.

Construction restrictions imposed in districts near Delhi-NCR

Amid worsening air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, the Rajasthan government has also prohibited construction and demolition activities in districts bordering the national capital.

The restrictions are aimed at limiting dust pollution as air quality deteriorates during the winter season.