Vizag’s Air Crisis: AQI Hits 305, Sparking Health Alerts
Vizag's winter air quality deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 305 on December 18, 2025, pushing it into the "poor" category. This spike, driven by seasonal factors like reduced wind and industrial emissions, has raised alarms over respiratory risks for residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly
Local authorities and environmental groups are urging immediate action, including stricter emission controls from steel plants and enhanced monitoring stations. The poor AQI levels, uncommon for Vizag's coastal climate, highlight the need for public awareness campaigns on mask usage and reduced outdoor activities during peak pollution hours.
Residents report hazy skies and health complaints, prompting calls for the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation to accelerate green initiatives like tree planting and electric vehicle adoption. Long-term solutions, such as upgrading industrial scrubbers, remain critical to safeguard Vizag's status as a livable port city.
