Sanathnagar air quality index rises to 325

HYDERABAD: Air quality in Sanathnagar has deteriorated over the past three days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 325 on Sunday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer app.

The development has raised concern as the Telangana Pollution Control Board (PCB) office, which monitors pollution control measures, is located in the same area. An AQI above 100 is considered harmful, while readings crossing 300 fall in the ‘very poor’ category.

Pollution levels rise in industrial-residential zone

Officials said elevated levels of nitrous oxide and ground-level ozone were recorded in the area. Sanathnagar, which has both industrial and residential zones, has been witnessing increasing pollution emissions.

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Primary reasons identified include heavy traffic congestion, dust from nearby construction sites, PM 2.5 and PM 10 particulate matter, industrial emissions from factories and diesel generators, and the burning of plastic and garbage.

According to the Sameer app data, the AQI readings were:

May 8: 154
May 9: 294
May 10: 325

Environmental experts said ground-level ozone emissions usually increase during summer due to rising temperatures and chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

PCB to conduct inspections from Monday

Environmental scientist Sharath Kumar from the PCB said diesel generator sets installed in industries and apartment complexes were contributing to the rise in nitrous oxide emissions.

“With temperatures increasing, chemical reactions are raising ozone levels further. We will examine the reasons behind the spike in emissions. Teams will be sent from Monday to conduct inspections,” he said.

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to poor air quality can trigger respiratory problems. People with asthma, heart ailments and lung diseases are more vulnerable.

As per AQI classifications: