Escape Delhi's Smog: Himachal Offers Clean Air Haven, But Baddi Suffers High AQI

• Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab face severe winter fog and very poor AQI, with Delhi's AQI often exceeding 400.
• Tourists are flocking to Himachal Pradesh's Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala for fresh air, where AQI is significantly better (e.g., Manali 28, Shimla 37).
• However, Himachal's industrial town Baddi in Solan district records very poor AQI, exceeding 300, due to factory emissions, heavy traffic, and construction.
• The Pollution Control Board has issued notices to four-lane companies in Baddi for water sprinkling to control dust.
• Tourist influx in Shimla and Manali is expected to surge further during Christmas and New Year holidays.

Why It Matters: Himachal offers a clean air escape from Delhi's pollution, though industrial Baddi faces its own AQI crisis.