By exploreodisha.in 
The air quality in Odisha has recently deteriorated, raising significant health and environmental concerns. Several factors contribute to this decline:
Industrial Emissions: Cities like Angul and Rourkela have experienced poor air quality, primarily due to emissions from power plants, steel factories, and mining activities. On March 3, 2025, Angul recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 257, and Rourkela 215, both classified as ‘poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Notably, these levels surpassed New Delhi’s AQI of 156 on the same day.
Use of Low-Quality Domestic Coal: India’s reduction in thermal coal imports has led to increased reliance on domestically mined coal, which typically contains higher ash content. This shift results in greater emissions when burned for power generation. In 2024, coal-fired power generation reached a record 1,221 terawatt hours, a 5.1% increase from the previous year, contributing to elevated pollution levels.
Vehicular Pollution and Construction Activities: Rapid urbanization in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has led to increased vehicular emissions and construction dust. For instance, on March 19, 2025, Cuttack recorded an AQI of 215, worse than New Delhi’s 140 on the same day.
Adverse Weather Conditions: During winter, low wind speeds and temperature inversions can trap pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating air quality issues. This phenomenon has been observed in Bhubaneswar, where nights have turned hazy due to poor dispersion of pollutants.
Government Initiatives: In response to the escalating pollution, the Odisha government plans to launch the State Clean Air Programme (SCAP) in 12 towns and cities, including Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Puri. This initiative aims to improve air quality and address pollution sources not covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Addressing Odisha’s air quality challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including stricter emission controls, promotion of cleaner energy sources, enhancement of public transportation, regulation of construction activities, and increased public awareness to mitigate pollution’s impact on health and the environment.
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