Visakhapatnam air quality breaches standards on two-thirds of days

Air quality in Visakhapatnam deteriorated significantly during a recent 12-month monitoring period, with pollution levels breaching national standards on 259 of 382 days, according to data from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board. All 10 air quality monitoring stations across the port city exceeded the prescribed annual PM10 limit, indicating widespread air quality degradation affecting residents across multiple zones.

The winter season emerged as the most problematic period for air pollution in the city. Meteorological conditions during these months, particularly temperature inversion, combined with Visakhapatnam's bowl-shaped terrain to trap pollutants close to ground level. According to APPCB scientists, this geographical feature prevents pollutants from dispersing naturally into the atmosphere, concentrating harmful particulates in the breathing zone of residents.

The data reveals that PM10 levels, which measure particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller, consistently exceeded acceptable thresholds across the monitoring network. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing significant health risks to vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The findings underscore the need for comprehensive air quality management strategies in Visakhapatnam, particularly during winter months. Environmental experts suggest that addressing industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and construction dust alongside natural meteorological challenges will be essential to improving air quality in the city.