Weeks have passed since the conclusion of the Diwali festival, but a thick blanket of pollution continues to shroud the skies of Rajasthan. Fresh air quality data released on the morning of November 13, 2026, has escalated worries among residents across the state. The Air Quality Index remains persistently trapped in poor and hazardous categories. People across all seven divisional headquarters and major industrial hubs of the state are struggling with severe breathing difficulties. With the onset of a mild chill in the weather, a dense layer of smog has intensified, with PM2.5 emerging as the most dangerous primary pollutant. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger severe medical conditions.
Industrial Zones Face Severe Pollution Levels
Air pollution has breached extreme levels across the northern and industrial belts of Rajasthan. Bhiwadi, which has historically been highly vulnerable to severe pollution, has recorded an AQI soaring between 180 and 300, placing it firmly in the very poor category. Similarly, the AQI in Alwar has crossed the 250 to 300 mark. Bharatpur has registered an AQI exceeding 250, pushing it into the poor bracket. Factory emissions, stubble-burning incidents, and heavy vehicular traffic have combined to render the air completely toxic in these industrial sectors. Venturing outdoors in these areas poses significant health risks for local residents, particularly children and the elderly.
Concerning Air Quality in Other Major Cities
The situation remains deeply troubling in several other prominent cities as well. Bikaner and Kota are witnessing no significant relief, with Bikaner recording an AQI between 180 and 190, and Kota logging similar numbers. The air in these urban centers falls under unhealthy and poor categories. Sikar has registered an AQI ranging between 170 and 200, while Ajmer recorded an AQI of 170. Conditions are equally grim in the City of Lakes Udaipur and the Sun City Jodhpur. Jodhpur's AQI hovers between 155 and 160, whereas Udaipur ranges from 155 to 165. Bhilwara has reported an AQI between 150 and 180. These figures clearly indicate that pollution is no longer confined to industrial pockets but has spread widely across the entire state.
Slight Relief in the State Capital Jaipur
There is a glimmer of relatively better news for residents of the state capital, Jaipur. Although the air here has not cleared up completely, the AQI has been recorded between 150 and 160. This falls into the moderate category, which still remains unhealthy for sensitive demographic groups. Thanks to some precautionary measures implemented by local authorities and minor shifts in wind patterns, Jaipur has witnessed this marginal improvement in its pollution levels. Nevertheless, medical experts emphasize that individuals suffering from asthma or respiratory ailments must continue exercising utmost caution.
Health Impacts and Necessary Precautions
Hospitals are witnessing a sharp surge in patient footfall due to the continuously escalating air pollution levels. People are visiting outpatient departments with complaints of burning eyes, throat irritation, persistent coughing, and breathing discomfort. Doctors have issued clear warnings that if these conditions persist, the situation could prove fatal for cardiac patients. Citizens have been strongly advised to avoid morning walks and to wear high-quality N-95 masks whenever they step outdoors. The State Pollution Control Board is closely monitoring factories and construction sites, but individuals are also urged to opt for public transport over private vehicles. To prevent further degradation of air quality, people must refrain from burning garbage or plastic.
