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Nagpur Chokes: January Sees Record Air Pollution
3 Feb
Summary
- Nagpur experienced polluted air on 30 out of 31 January days.
- PM2.5 levels remained high for 28 days, posing severe health risks.
- No good AQI days were recorded, with most falling into moderate category.
Nagpur recorded alarming air pollution levels in January, with the GPO observation station reporting polluted air on 30 out of 31 days. Of these, 25 days were classified as moderate and nine as poor. Critically, PM2.5 levels, a major health concern, remained elevated for 28 days.
Environmental expert Professor Suresh Chopane noted that Nagpur has surpassed Chandrapur as the most polluted city in Vidarbha over the last five years. While Mahal was previously the worst-affected locality, its January data showed five highly polluted days and 25 moderate days. Ram Nagar and Ambazari stations also reported pollution on most days, with PM2.5 exceeding safe limits.
Professor Chopane attributed the January surge to winter conditions, slow winds, vehicular emissions, burning of waste and biomass, and industrial activities. He emphasized that PM2.5 pollution indicates a significant contribution from vehicle exhaust. Not a single day with good air quality was recorded across all monitoring centers; most days were moderate, with some falling into the poor category.
