What is the current PM2.5 level in Hyderabad?

PM2.5 concentrations in Hyderabad have surged, with levels reaching 176 this year, significantly exceeding safe limits.

How many deaths are attributed to air pollution in Hyderabad annually?

Air pollution is estimated to cause an average of 5,552 deaths in Hyderabad each year, with 1,597 reported in 2023.

What are the main sources of air pollution in Hyderabad?

The primary sources are the city's extensive vehicle population, industrial emissions from pharmaceutical and chemical units, and the burning of waste.

Home / Environment / Hyderabad's Air Crisis: PM2.5 Levels Soar 15.4%

Hyderabad's Air Crisis: PM2.5 Levels Soar 15.4%

21 Jan

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Summary

Hyderabad ranks third in India for increased PM2.5 concentration.
PM2.5 levels are 35 times higher than WHO safe limits.
Air pollution causes over 5,500 deaths annually in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad's Air Crisis: PM2.5 Levels Soar 15.4%

Hyderabad's air quality has deteriorated significantly, with a 15.4% surge in PM2.5 concentration between 2011 and 2022. This places the city third among Indian urban centers experiencing such an increase, trailing only Surat and Pune. Current PM2.5 levels in Hyderabad are an alarming 35 times greater than the World Health Organization's safe annual limit.

The consequences are dire, with air pollution linked to an average of 5,552 annual deaths between 2008 and 2020. In 2023 alone, 1,597 pollution-related deaths were reported, highlighting the city's sixth deadliest position in India for such fatalities. Life expectancy in Hyderabad has decreased by 3.2 years due to this toxic air.

Vehicular emissions, particularly from over 80 lakh vehicles, are identified as the primary source of pollution, accounting for nearly one-third of the total load. Nitrogen dioxide levels are also critically high, exceeding WHO safe limits on 307 days in 2023, largely due to diesel-run vehicles and older petrol engines.