Hyderabad air quality good

Hyderabad: ‘Delhi abhi door hain’ as far as the pollution levels are concerned. In what can be considered pleasant news, the Air Quality Index (AQI) value in Hyderabad falls under the satisfactory levels and is nowhere close to the pollution levels in New Delhi.

P Veeranna, director, Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) says, “There is no need to panic as the air quality in Hyderabad is satisfactory, but people should not become complacent and do their bit to reduce existing pollution levels.”

The TSPCB monitors the ambient air quality 24/7 through six online stations located at Hyderabad Central University, Sanathnagar, Zoo Park, Pashamylaram, Bolarum and ICRISAT and the Air Quality Index value in all the six stations was satisfactory in the past three days. The PCB also monitors pollution levels manually in 21 stations across the Greater Hyderabad limits twice a week as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.

Officials at PCB point out the rocky terrain with hills in and around Hyderabad as one of the reasons for lower levels of air pollution. A senior scientist said, “Unlike the Gangetic plain where there are swathes of land where crops are grown and are burnt resulting in pollution, in and around Hyderabad, the hills obstruct the transportation of pollutants and incidents of burning crops is unheard of.”

It may be noted that over a dozen cases of crop burning were reported from Haryana that triggered heavy pollution in Delhi. Experts say cold conditions too play a major role. Particulate matter remains in the lower levels and there is hardly any vertical distribution, as is the case in Delhi.

Horizontal distribution also largely depends on wind conditions. Presently in Hyderabad, the pollution levels have not crossed permissible limits but at times they touch the moderate levels category in certain areas such as Paradise Circle, Zoo Park, Punjagutta, Charminar and Nampally areas. If it crosses 201, it causes breathing discomfort in most people on prolonged exposure and above 400 is considered severe.

In Delhi, it crossed 900 and as a result medical emergency was declared. The Air Quality Index (AQI) value under 50 is considered good, 51-100 as satisfactory that causes minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.

By T P VENU