Himachal Pradesh: With AQI at 34, Shimla attracts tourists from states breathing 'poor' air

The tourists from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and other neighbouring areas are heading towards the hill state of Himachal Pradesh with the air quality in the plains of North India reaching the ‘poor’ category. 

All across the state, even the highest AQI comes under the ‘moderate’ category. Apart from Solan, where the AQI has clocked at the ‘moderate’ category, the air quality in tourist spots across Himachal Pradesh is under the ‘good’ category including Shimla, which recorded an AQI of 34 on Wednesday.

While Manali recorded the lowest AQI (6), followed by Kullu (7) and Dharamshala (15) on Wednesday, the air quality rose above 300 in at least 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi on Tuesday. 

According to the  Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) classification system, AQI values are graded in six categories: 0-50 as "good," 51-100 as "satisfactory," 101-200 as "moderate," 201-300 as "poor," 301-400 as "very poor," and above 400 as "severe. It's a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in terms, which are easy to understand. 

The environmental scientist and Principal Scientific officer of the Environment Science and Technology Department of Himachal, Dr Suresh Attri said that the data released on October 25 shows that the good air quality and pleasant weather conditions are attracting tourists from neighbouring states.

“As you know other parts of India are reeling under the worst Air Quality Index. Himachal Pradesh is recording a commendable AQI, (with) Manali having the cleanest air in the state, followed by Kullu, Dharamshala and Shimla,” said Attri adding that Shimla recorded AQI at 34, Manali recorded lowest at 6 and Kullu 7, followed by Dharamshala which recorded AQI value at 15.

Amarpreet Singh, a tourist from Ambala said that the higher AQI and rise in the level of pollution in the wake of Diwali and other festivals has brought him Shimla.

"I would recommend everyone to come here and would advise you to stop using firecrackers. If you don't burn firecrackers you would find air quality like Shimla in Delhi and other parts of north India," Amarpreet said.