Air quality: Hyderabad in safe zone

Hyderabad: Even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of several major cities in the country is turning to be a cause of concern, Hyderabad is charting its own course with considerable improvement in air quality levels since the beginning of this year. According to data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), there has […]

Hyderabad: Even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of several major cities in the country is turning to be a cause of concern, Hyderabad is charting its own course with considerable improvement in air quality levels since the beginning of this year.

According to data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB), there has been an improvement in quality of air across the State.

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In January 2021, 18 localities, including Sanathnagar, University of Hyderabad, ICRISAT, Jeedimetla, Chikkadpally, Kukatpally, Nacharam, Uppal and Bolarum had a moderate AQI (from 101 to 200), indicating that pollution in the air was dense enough to cause breathing difficulties to lung and heart patients. But current data shows a marked change, with most of these areas now having satisfactory AQI (from 51 to 100).

During October, pollution levels of only four areas in the city — Balanagar, Charminar, Nehru Zoological Park and Pashamylaram — were above 100, making the air quality of these areas mildly toxic. At the same time, the pollution level in Balanagar has shown maximum improvement. The AQI of Balanagar in January was 162, and while it did increase to 169 in February, it came down to 103 in October.

Most importantly, major residential areas in the city have good Air Quality Index. The AQI of localities such as Jubilee Hills, Paradise, Madhapur, Sainikpuri and Abids has been satisfactory over the last few months. Rajendranagar and the area surrounding KBR Park had the best AQI in the city during October, of 41 and 42 respectively.

According to Dr Pradeep Simha Karur, Senior Pulmonologist, Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad’s air quality was better than several cities, thanks to the greenery in the city.
“While a few areas have moderate pollution, most localities in the city have satisfactory air quality. But since prolonged exposure to polluted air can impact even those who are healthy, it is necessary to take precautions like wearing masks when going to an industrial or highly commercial area,” he said.

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