Consistent Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Panipat, an industrial hub, have raised concerns over monitoring practices of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) . Although neighboring towns are experiencing severe pollution levels, Panipat’s AQI has remained between 183 and 187 for the last 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 remained stable. In contrast, adjacent districts recorded much higher AQI levels, indicating deterioration in air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the onset of winter. The Air Quality Management Commission (AQM) has implemented GRAP-2 in the NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to reduce the sources of pollution. Despite these efforts, air quality in Delhi reached very high levels last Thursday.

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

Meanwhile, the neighboring Karnal region recorded an AQI of up to 303, and the neighboring districts of Sonepat and Jind experienced “very poor” air quality. Panipat environmentalists like Amit Kumar say the CAAQMS has been shifted to the community center in Sector 18 surrounded by trees, which could lead to a drop in AQI readings. “Initially, it was installed in the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) office, where the AQI readings were higher. The move appears to be aimed at appeasing industrialists,” Kumar claimed.

Environmental activist Varun Gulati expressed similar concerns, saying, “It is shocking that Panipat’s AQI is moderate while adjacent districts have very poor air quality. The monitoring system, surrounded by tall trees, does not reflect the actual AQI of the Textile City.

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