World Air Quality Report 2023: Hyderabad air quality improves since 2019
HYDERABAD: Air quality in Hyderabad has significantly improved from 2019 onwards when compared to previous years, as per the latest World Air Quality Report 2023.
This report was released on a PM2.5 concentration basis by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company, based on the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
However, despite this progress, India remained the third most polluted country in the world, according to the report. The report also mentioned five major cities in the country, including Hyderabad, along with the other four metros.
The report revealed that consistent decrease in PM10 concentrations over the span of four years in Hyderabad, dropping from 101 micrograms per cubic meter in 2019-20 to 83 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023-24.
Likewise, surrounding areas such as Patancheru and Sangareddy also experienced a similar decline, while PM10 levels in Nalgonda exhibited fluctuations during the same period.
Comparing PM10 concentrations from 2019 to the current year, Hyderabad showcased a steady decline
2019-20: 101 µg/m3
2020-21: 98 µg/m3
2021-22: 97 µg/m3
2022-23: 87 µg/m3
2023-24 (till date): 83 µg/m3
The Ministry of Environment, Government of India has set separate norms for PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations to control air pollution. Despite these norms, the Central Pollution Control Board has categorised Hyderabad along with Patancheru, Nalgonda and Sangareddy as cities where PM10 norms have been exceeded for five consecutive years in Telangana.
To combat air pollution, various measures are being implemented, utilising funds from the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) and XV Finance Commission. These measures include
Focusing on hotspot areas and implementing micro-action plans
Improving road infrastructure by paving roads and maintaining pothole-free surfaces
Increasing mechanical road sweeping to reduce silt load
Developing green belts
Utilising construction and demolition waste management facilities
Monitoring and penalising unauthorized dumping
Transitioning to electric buses and establishing EV charging stations
Installing adaptive traffic control systems and pelican signals
Recently, the Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Environment, Forest, Science, and Technology, Telangana, along with the Air Quality Monitoring Committee (AQMC), reviewed the implementation of the action plan.
The IIT Kanpur study found that air pollution in the GHMC area is primarily caused by road dust (32%), vehicles (18%), stationary and industrial activities (16%), biomass burning (11%), construction and demolition (C&D) waste (8%), municipal solid waste (MSW) burning (7%), industrial emissions (5%), and other sources (9%).
The AQMC emphasised citizen participation in curbing air pollution by avoiding open waste burning, utilising waste processing facilities effectively, ensuring Pollution Under Control (PUC) certifications for vehicles, and maintaining lane discipline while driving.
