The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently released a report demonstrating an alarming increase in PM 2.5 levels in 43 out of 99 surveyed cities. PM 2.5, fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, is a noted endocrine disruptor linked to respiratory issues, reduced visibility, and diabetes. Compiled from publicly available data from the Central Pollution Control Board and the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System, the report outlines significant findings about air pollution patterns across major Indian cities.
Key Findings
Out of the cities analyzed, Gurugram, Lucknow, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Agra, Navi Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Kolkata showed the most significant increases in pollution levels between 2019 and 2020. In addition, the report reveals that 23 of the most polluted cities are located in northern India, with Ghaziabad ranking as the worst offender.
Conversely, only 19 cities logged considerable improvements in PM 2.5 levels, including Chennai. The report lists Satna, Mysuru, Vijaypura, and Chikkamagaluru as the four cities meeting the national 24-hour standard (60 μg/m3) during the winter season. Notably, Satna and Maihar in Madhya Pradesh, along with Mysuru in Karnataka, were highlighted as the cleanest cities in the country.
Seasonal and Regional Factors
Surprisingly, while lockdown measures initially seemed to result in improved air quality, most cities saw pollution levels bounce back by the winter, emphasizing the influence of local and regional factors on air pollution. Cold, calm winter weather was identified as a cause for trapping and increasing daily pollution, especially in northern Indian cities situated in the Indo Gangetic Plain.
In 37 cities, despite exhibiting stable or decreasing seasonal averages, peak pollution levels spiked dramatically during the winter. This was evident in cities such as Aurangabad, Indore, Nashik, Jabalpur, Rupnagar, Bhopal, Dewas, Kochi, and Kozhikode.
Data Analysis and Its Importance
The data used for this analysis was retrieved from 248 official stations under the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System spread across 115 cities, providing real-time air pollution monitoring throughout the year. The report underlines that, contrary to popular belief, smaller and emerging cities are increasingly becoming pollution hotspots. Quick actions and reforms are required in core sectors like vehicles, industry, power plants, and waste management to control winter pollution and tackle the annual air quality dip.
Initiatives to Improve Air Quality
Several initiatives have been launched to combat air pollution, including the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas, Bharat Stage (BS) VI norms, National Clean Air Programme, National Air Quality Index (AQI), Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), and a Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality. These are geared towards improving national air quality standards in a concerted manner.
