Home / Environment / Gurgaon Air Quality: PM2.5 Drops, But Dangers Remain
Gurgaon Air Quality: PM2.5 Drops, But Dangers Remain
10 May
Summary
- PM2.5 levels in Gurgaon decreased by nearly 54% over the past decade.
- PM10 and dust pollution remain high due to urbanization and construction.
- Pollution levels still significantly exceed national and WHO air quality standards.
Gurgaon has experienced a significant reduction in fine particle pollution (PM2.5), with levels falling by almost 54% from 2015-16 to 2026-27. Despite this progress, annual concentrations of PM2.5 remain considerably higher than both national and World Health Organization guidelines.
Conversely, PM10 levels, largely influenced by dust from construction and road activities, have shown persistent high concentrations. While there was a temporary decline during the pandemic, levels have fluctuated and remain a concern amidst rapid urban development.
Ground-level ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have exhibited varied trends. Ozone, an emerging pollutant, peaked in 2019-20 and has since fluctuated. NO2, linked to vehicle emissions, shows a general declining trend, possibly influenced by stricter emission norms like BS-VI.
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels have remained relatively low and stable throughout the decade. Experts caution that despite some improvements, particularly in NO2, overall pollution in Gurgaon continues to exceed safe limits, with significant contributions from sources within and beyond the city's airshed.
