Hyderabad’s air quality deteriorates despite monitoring efforts

Hyderabad: Air pollution in Hyderabad has touched dangerous levels, as per the Greenpeace record called ‘SPARE THE AIR’ 2nd Edition, which has been keeping eyes on air pollution since 2023. The report reveals a worrying sign in particulate matter (PM) levels in the entire city.

However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) have jointly set up 14 air quality monitoring stations; despite their efforts, people in the city are deprived of fresh air. The annual average values for PM2.5, tiny particles that are dangerous for health, were five to six times more than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety guidelines.

Several areas of the city have been facing acute problems of air pollution, including Central University, New Malakpet, and Somajiguda. In places like Bollaram industrial area, IDA Pashamylaram, Kokapet, Sanathnagar, and Zoo Park, there is seven to eight times higher pollution than WHO’s standards.

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The report also mentioned that while PM2.5 levels at five stations were only slightly higher than India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), all locations experienced PM10 levels ranging from just above to 1.5 times more than the NAAQS limits.

The monthly air quality trends in the city in 2023 were also considered poor. According to data, PM2.5 levels were above NAAQS guidelines from January to April and again in November and December. PM10 levels surpassed NAAQS standards from January to June, as well as in August, October, November, and December.