Singrauli reported the worst pollution levels in the state, with the AQI at the Trauma Centre touching 356the highest in Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal followed as the second most polluted city, with three key locations showing alarming readings: 303 at Paryavaran Parisar, 321 at the Collectorate and 347 at TT Nagar. All fall under the “Very Poor” classification, with TT Nagar recording the highest concentration within the city.
Gwalior displayed a similar trend. Maharaj Bada and DD Nagar both registered AQI above 300, while City Centre recorded 243, placing it in the “Poor” category. Indore showed a stark intra-city contrast Chhoti Gwaltoli posted “Very Poor” air at 304, whereas the Airport (155), Residency Area (103) and Khandwa Road (around 155) ranged from “Moderate” to “Satisfactory.”
Other highly affected locations include Pithampur Industrial Area (335), Mandideep (321) and Sagar Collectorate (311), making them among the top five polluted areas in the state.
Environmental experts attributed the spike to winter conditions. They noted that cold temperatures trap pollutants near the ground, and fog prevents harmful gases from dispersing. “Low air pressure at night and early morning keeps pollutants at breathing level, making morning air especially dangerous,” said environmental expert Subhash C. Pandey. He advised vulnerable groups including the elderly, children and patients with heart or lung ailments to avoid early outdoor exposure.
In contrast, cities such as Damoh, Khargone and areas around Regional Park registered better air quality due to lower traffic, limited industrial activity and higher wind speeds, which help disperse pollutants more effectively.
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