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Bathinda’s AQI reportedly surged past 1,100, putting it among India’s most polluted cities. Check the top 10 list and what residents should do to limit exposure
Worsening Air Quality in India: With the reported pollution levels reaching critical proportions, residents should reduce their exposure to outdoor air as far as possible.
Bathinda in Punjab witnessed an alarming spike in air pollution on November 3, with its real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly touching 1,124 at 9:01 am, according to the AQI.in dashboard. The reading placed the city at the top of a list of India’s 10 most polluted cities, with several other locations across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh also recording extremely high pollution levels.
The dashboard data showed that Bathinda’s AQI crossed the 1,000 mark in the early morning, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the primary pollutant. The tracker categorised the reading as hazardous, highlighting the serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Sirsa, Faridkot and Rohtak were also among the worst-affected cities, with reported AQI readings of around 846 each. The figures point to a wider pollution episode across parts of northern India, rather than an isolated spike in Bathinda.
India’s 10 Most Polluted Cities: Bathinda Leads With AQI Above 1,100
According to the supplied real-time Air Quality Index Dashboard data, the following cities recorded the highest pollution levels:
- Bathinda, Punjab: 1,060-1,124
- Sirsa, Haryana: Around 846
- Faridkot, Punjab: Around 846
- Rohtak, Haryana: Around 846
- Jalandhar, Punjab: Around 689
- Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Around 640
- Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: Around 618
- Hisar, Haryana: Around 612
- Ludhiana, Punjab: Around 560
- Kaithal, Haryana: Around 508
Punjab accounted for four cities on the list, while Haryana featured four. Uttar Pradesh had two cities among the 10 locations with the highest reported readings.
The dashboard also described the pollution levels in these cities as hazardous, with readings ranging from around 508 to more than 1,100. These figures are live or near-real-time estimates and may vary depending on the monitoring station, reporting time and AQI scale used.
Why Is Bathinda’s AQI Above 1,000 A Cause For Concern?
The reported reading of 1,124 indicates an extremely high level of pollution on the tracker used. PM2.5 was identified as the primary pollutant. These particles measure 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter and are small enough to travel deep into the lungs.
Exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 can aggravate respiratory conditions and cause breathing discomfort. People with asthma, chronic lung disease and heart conditions may be particularly vulnerable. Children and older adults also need to take extra precautions.
What Does AQI Mean? Check India’s Pollution Categories
The Air Quality Index is used to communicate the level of air pollution and its possible health effects. India’s CPCB calculates the national AQI using eight pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia and lead.
The official CPCB categories are:
- Good (0-50): Minimal impact on health.
- Satisfactory (51-100): Minor breathing discomfort may occur among sensitive people.
- Moderate (101-200): People with lung or heart conditions, children and older adults may experience breathing discomfort.
- Poor (201-300): Prolonged exposure may cause breathing discomfort in many people.
- Very Poor (301-400): Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of respiratory illness.
- Severe (401-500): Health effects can occur even among healthy people, while those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may face serious impacts.
The CPCB’s scale and the labels used by international or private air-quality trackers can differ. Readers should therefore check which scale a dashboard follows before interpreting a reading.
What Are PM2.5 And PM10? Why Are Fine Particles Harmful?
PM2.5 and PM10 refer to two categories of particulate matter suspended in the air. PM10 includes particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, while PM2.5 refers to finer particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less.
PM2.5 is a particular health concern because these tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream. High concentrations can worsen asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, while prolonged exposure is also associated with cardiovascular risks.
Hazardous AQI: What Precautions Should Residents Take?
With the reported pollution levels reaching critical proportions, residents should reduce their exposure to outdoor air as far as possible. People are advised to avoid outdoor exercise, running and other strenuous physical activities, particularly during periods when pollution levels are high.
Keeping windows and doors closed when outdoor pollution is severe and using an air purifier indoors, where available, may help reduce exposure. Anyone who needs to step outside should consider wearing a well-fitted N95 mask. A regular cloth mask may not provide equivalent protection against fine particles.
People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and other long-term health conditions should be especially cautious. They should continue taking prescribed medicines, follow their doctor’s advice and seek medical attention if they experience worsening breathlessness, persistent coughing, chest discomfort or other concerning symptoms.
Doctors also advise avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high pollution, particularly in the early morning and late evening. A balanced diet containing adequate protein, antioxidants and leafy green vegetables can support general health, but dietary changes cannot replace measures to reduce exposure or prescribed medical treatment.
About the Author
A sociologist by training and a storyteller by profession, I spend my days shaping news, and when I’m not chasing deadlines, I’m exploring new places, discovering different cultures and tasting unique…Read More
Bathinda, India, India
November 03, 2026, 11:28 IST
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