Hyderabad air quality worsens with rising pollution levels.
Last night, Hyderabad experienced a sudden spike in pollution, causing a sharp increase in the Air Quality Index (AQI) and affecting residents across the city. The unexpected surge was attributed to multiple factors, including increased vehicular emissions, construction dust, and seasonal weather changes that trap pollutants in the air. As AQI levels reached unhealthy ranges, residents reported discomfort and health issues such as coughing, eye irritation, and breathing difficulties. Authorities have advised residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activities and use protective measures. Efforts are underway to monitor and manage pollution levels to ensure public safety.
Hyderabad has recently been grappling with a concerning drop in air quality, with pollution levels reaching the ‘severe’ category across various parts of the city. Last night, a sudden surge in pollution levels pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) significantly higher, impacting both the environment and the well-being of residents. The spike was particularly alarming, given the city’s AQI had seen significant fluctuations over the past month, even reaching ‘good’ levels in mid-October. However, as of today, no part of Hyderabad could boast air quality better than the ‘poor’ category, underscoring the widespread impact.
The sources of Hyderabad’s declining air quality are multifaceted, a mix of both long-term contributors and recent exacerbating factors. The city’s rapid urbanization has led to a boom in both population and infrastructure. Increased vehicular traffic, expanding industrial activities, and ongoing construction contribute heavily to rising pollution. The city’s development has brought benefits but has also led to more vehicles on the road and more pollutants being released into the atmosphere.
Last night’s sharp AQI increase, however, can be largely attributed to the use of fireworks, which released a concentrated amount of pollutants into the air. The heavy metals, chemicals, and particulate matter from these fireworks compounded existing pollution sources, creating a sudden, intense spike in the AQI that pushed the air quality into the ‘severe’ category. These particles linger in the air long after the celebrations have ended, aggravating respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially for those in vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions.
To understand the severity, it’s helpful to look at specific AQI readings. On October 17, Hyderabad recorded an AQI of 30, categorized as ‘good’ and indicating minimal health risks. This provided a rare reprieve in a month marked by high AQI variations. However, this morning, Hyderabad recorded an AQI of 171, which falls under the ‘poor’ category and signifies air quality that could cause discomfort and health complications, especially for people with underlying respiratory issues.
Certain neighborhoods in Hyderabad are particularly affected by the city’s air quality challenges. New Malakpet reported an AQI of 335 this morning, well within the ‘severe’ category, making it the area with the worst air quality in the city. People residing or working in New Malakpet are exposed to high pollution levels that could lead to acute health issues, including respiratory distress, aggravated asthma, and eye and throat irritation. In contrast, Shirdi Sai Nagar recorded the best AQI in the city, at 101, though it still fell within the ‘poor’ category. Even in Shirdi Sai Nagar, residents were exposed to air that could cause mild to moderate health impacts over time, particularly for sensitive individuals.
The disparity in AQI levels across Hyderabad illustrates how pollution distribution can vary from one area to another, depending on local factors like industrial activities, traffic density, and even topography. Areas with higher vehicular congestion and industrial output typically face worse air quality, which means residents of those neighborhoods experience greater health risks compared to others. Even so, it’s notable that no part of Hyderabad managed to achieve ‘moderate’ or better air quality this morning, indicating that poor air quality is currently a citywide issue.
Poor air quality has a direct impact on public health, as the pollutants in the air, such as PM2.5 and PM10 particles, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, entering the bloodstream and affecting various organs. Given that an average adult inhales around 14,000 liters of air daily, constant exposure to such pollutants can increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even mental health concerns over time. Those with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions face an immediate heightened risk, with symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing becoming more frequent and severe.
In response to these pollution levels, health officials and environmental authorities have issued advisories urging residents to take precautions. People are advised to reduce outdoor activities, especially vigorous exercises, which could lead to deeper inhalation of polluted air. Wearing masks and using air purifiers indoors are additional measures that can help mitigate exposure to harmful pollutants. Those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are urged to monitor their symptoms closely and avoid exposure as much as possible.
Local authorities have also ramped up efforts to address the situation. These efforts include enforcing vehicle emission regulations, monitoring industrial outputs, and planning long-term solutions to reduce pollution sources within the city. However, tackling air pollution requires collective action from both residents and policymakers. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to encourage citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices, like carpooling or using public transportation. Long-term policies focusing on green spaces, sustainable urban planning, and stricter industrial regulations will also be key in improving air quality in Hyderabad.
The recent drop in Hyderabad’s air quality highlights the importance of a proactive approach to environmental health. Air pollution is not only an environmental issue but a public health crisis that can have lasting effects on the community. To prevent such situations from becoming the norm, Hyderabad will need a combination of effective policies, public cooperation, and consistent monitoring to manage and reduce pollution levels effectively.
In the coming days, as the city recovers from this recent pollution spike, there will be opportunities to address these issues at both the local and state levels. Increased awareness and preventive measures will be essential in ensuring that Hyderabad’s air quality can improve, allowing residents to enjoy a safer, healthier environment in the future.