Amritsar's Air Quality: Marginal Dip Masks Persistent Pollution Crisis
While a marginal improvement in pollution levels has moved Amritsar to the 101st position in global air quality rankings, the city continues to grapple with dangerously high pollution, failing to ensure clean air for its residents. According to data from IQAir, a reliable global air monitoring agency, Amritsar recorded an annual average PM2.5 level of 46.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025, down from 57.3 µg/m³ in 2024. This places the city in the 100-200 bracket globally among 9,446 cities across 143 countries.
Persistent Health Threats Despite Rankings
Authorities may highlight this decline as progress, but experts caution that pollution levels remain alarmingly high and far exceed limits prescribed by the World Health Organisation. Parkash Singh Bhatty, president of the Pollution Control Committee, an NGO, noted that the improvement could be temporary, influenced by weather patterns rather than sustained policy measures. Key contributors to pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and stubble burning in the region, persist with little structural change.
Rising pollution levels in soil, water, and air are emerging as a major public health concern, with warnings of increased allergies and lifestyle-related diseases. Air pollution has been identified as the most critical threat, directly affecting respiratory health and overall well-being.
Understanding Air Quality Index and Risks
Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which categorises pollution on a scale from 0 to 500. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good and safe for all, while 51 to 100 falls under the moderate category, posing minor risks to sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions. Levels between 101 and 150 are deemed unhealthy for vulnerable populations, who are advised to limit outdoor exposure.
However, the situation becomes alarming when AQI crosses 150. Readings above 300 fall into the hazardous category, posing serious health risks to the general population. Notably, Amritsar has recorded AQI levels beyond 300 on several occasions, raising significant concerns among environmentalists and health experts.
Expert Warnings and Calls for Action
The ranking may have improved, but the air has not become safe, said Indu Aurora, executive member of Voice of Amritsar and district in charge of Clean Air Punjab. She stressed that incremental gains should not distract from the larger crisis, warning that without aggressive and consistent intervention, the city risks celebrating improved rankings while residents continue to suffer adverse health effects.
Experts have proposed a multi-pronged strategy to tackle pollution effectively:
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, though challenging, remains crucial.
- Limiting the use of large private vehicles and promoting fuel-efficient technologies to curb emissions.
- Implementing large-scale plantation drives, especially around industrial areas and along highways and railway tracks.
Planting multiple rows of evergreen trees can act as a natural barrier against pollutants, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate air quality issues.
