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Urban Lab

Summer 2022 battered by heat waves, high particulate pollution, CSE assessment

The summer of 2022 was not only unusually hot but also uncharacteristically high in particulate pollution, especially in north India. High PM 2.5 levels were observed across multiple cities and regions as the pollution has not been confined to a few megacities or a specific region -- it has turned into a widespread national problem. This has emerged from the analysis of summer air quality undertaken as part of the air quality tracker initiative of the urban lab at the Centre for Science and Environment ( CSE ). Summer days from March 1 to May 31 have been considered for the analysis, as rains had set in during June in several regions. As the availability of real-time air quality data has improved in several regions with the expansion of the air quality monitoring systems, it has become possible to assess the regional differences and understand the unique regional trends. "This analysis identifies the unique patterns of pollution across all regions and puts a spotlight on a large number of towns and cities that do not get policy attention. Summer particulate pollution spikes due to arid conditions, high summer heat and temperature, and more airborne dust particles that travel long distances compounding the problem from local sources," says…

Urban Lab

Pollution will increase in Delhi-NCR as soon as the twin towers fall, Noida may have a long impact, CSE experts said

The day for the demolition of the Super Tech Twin Towers built in Noida is near. For this, the process of installing explosives in buildings has also been completed. On August 28, both these towers will be demolished. People living in adjoining buildings will also be evacuated for a day to avoid the huge amount of dust and soil pollution and to stay safe during the building collapse. However, if environmental experts are to be believed, the issue is not just one day’s dust and soil, but the air pollution caused by the collapse of buildings will disturb it for several days. Not only this, due to this demolition, not only the people living in the Twin Tower area will have to face environmental pollution related problems, but the level of pollution in Delhi-NCR is expected to increase in the entire Delhi NCR. Avikal Somvanshi, the Clean Air Campaign Program Manager of the Center for Science and Environment, says that the demolition of the twin towers is being done according to all the rules and regulations. There will be water tenders with automatic water sprinklers to cover the dust during demolition. Apart from this, everything is being taken care of for the safety of the people, but for the first time in India, such big buildings are being demolished by explosives, its effect will be visible in the air of Delhi-NCR. Whenever a small house is built or a small building is demolished, dust and soil spread in that area for weeks, whereas these are two buildings more than 100 meters high and very big. Avikal says that it is a good thing that these buildings are being demolished in this season. While the wind is blowing and it is also the season of rain. If it rains after the collapse of the buildings, then it will be very good. Due to this, flying dust, large and small particles of pollution will settle. There will be less suffocation and pollution in the air and it will be better for the people living nearby, but if there is no rain and strong wind blows then these soil particles will fly away. Apart from troubling the people living near the twin towers, it will certainly be present in the air far and wide and will increase pollution. With this, it is expected that the pollution level of Delhi-NCR will increase and the effect will be seen on the air quality especially of Noida. Avikal says that many things are done to prevent pollution in small buildings. Apart from pouring water on the dust, that area is covered with green cover but this is a huge building, it is very difficult for it to protect so much and then it is being thrown from above through explosion. Therefore, after the explosion in the buildings, until the entire debris will not be cleared from that place. Until then, as the wind blows, there will be trouble. Pollution increased after tower collapse in Kerala They say that four towers were demolished in Kochi and Maradu in Kerala. It took more than two months to clear the debris from that place. Due to this, the pollution in the air there was seen to increase up to five times. The people there had to bear the brunt of this defect in the air quality in the form of health problems. A lot of debris will come out of the twin towers of Noida, which will be completely cleared in one to two months, so it is not less than a challenge for the people living there. However, things will largely depend on the weather and wind speed.

Urban Lab

ट्विन टॉवर गिरते ही दिल्‍ली-NCR में बढ़ेगा वायु प्रदूषण, बोले CSE विशेषज्ञ

नोएडा में बनी सुपरटेक ट्विन टावरों (Super Tech Twin Towers) को गिराए जाने का दिन नजदीक आ गया है. इसके लिए इमारतों में विस्‍फोटक लगाने की प्रक्रिया भी पूरी कर ली गई है. 28 अगस्‍त को इन दोनों टावरों को ध्‍वस्‍त कर दिया जाएगा. भारी मात्रा में पैदा होने वाली धूल और मिट्टी के प्रदूषण से बचने और इमारत गिरने के दौरान सुरक्षित रहने के लिए आसपास की इमारतों में रहने वाले लोगों को भी एक दिन के लिए वहां से हटाया जाएगा. हालांकि पर्यावरण विशेषज्ञों की मानें तो मसला सिर्फ एक दिन की धूल-मिट्टी का नहीं है बल्कि इमारतों के गिरने से पैदा हुआ वायु प्रदूषण (Air Pollution) कई दिनों तक परेशान करेगा. इतना ही नहीं इस ध्‍वस्‍तीकरण से न केवल ट्विन टावर (Twin Tower) के इलाके में रह रहे लोगों को पर्यावरण प्रदूषण संबंधी दिक्‍कतें झेलनी पड़ेंगी, बल्कि पूरे दिल्‍ली एनसीआर में प्रदूषण (Pollution in Delhi-NCR) का स्‍तर बढ़ने का अनुमान है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के क्‍लीन एयर कैंपेन प्रोग्राम मैनेजर अविकल सोमवंशी कहते हैं कि ट्विन टावर को गिराने का काम वैसे तो पूरे नियम-कानूनों के अनुसार हो रहा है. ध्‍वस्‍तीकरण के दौरान होने वाली धूल के लिए वहां ऑटोमैटिक वाटर स्प्रिंकलर के साथ वाटर टेंडर मौजूद रहेंगे. इसके अलावा लोगों की सुरक्षा से लेकर बचाव के लिए हर चीज का ध्‍यान रखा जा रहा है लेकिन भारत में पहली बार इतनी बड़ी इमारतें विस्‍फोटकों से गिराई जा रही हैं, इसका असर दिल्‍ली-एनसीआर की हवा में दिखाई देगा. जब भी कोई छोटा मकान बनता है या छोटी इमारत ढहाई जाती है तो हफ्तों तक उस इलाके में धूल और मिट्टी फैल जाती है जबकि ये तो 100 मीटर से भी ज्‍यादा ऊंची और काफी बड़ी दो इमारतें हैं. अविकल कहते हैं कि यह एक अच्‍छी बात है कि इन इमारतों को इस मौसम में गिराया जा रहा है. जबकि हवा भी चल रही है और बारिश का भी मौसम है. अगर इमारतें गिरने के बाद बारिश (Rain) हो जाती है तो यह काफी अच्‍छा होगा. इससे उड़ती धूल, प्रदूषण के बड़े और छोटे कण बैठ जाएंगे. हवा में कम घुटन और प्रदूषण होगा और यह आसपास रहने वाले लोगों के लिए बेहतर होगा लेकिन अगर बारिश नहीं होती और तेज हवा चलती है तो ये मिट्टी के कण उड़कर दूर तक जाएंगे. यह निश्चित ही ट्विन टावर के आस-पास रह रहे लोगों को भी परेशान करने के अलावा दूर-दराज तक हवा में मौजूद रहेंगे और प्रदूषण को बढ़ाएंगे. इससे पूरा अनुमान है कि दिल्‍ली-एनसीआर के प्रदूषण स्‍तर में इजाफा होगा और खासतौर पर नोएडा की वायु गुणवत्‍ता पर असर देखा जा सकेगा. अविकल कहते हैं कि छोटी इमारतों में प्रदूषण को रोकने के लिए कई चीजें की जाती हैं. धूल पर पानी डालने के अलावा उस एरिया को हरे कवर से ढका जाता है लेकिन यह ज्‍यादा बड़ी बिल्डिंग हैं, उसके लिए इतनी ज्‍यादा सुरक्षा करना काफी मुश्किल है और फिर ऊपर से वह विस्‍फोट के माध्‍यम से गिराई जा रही है. लिहाजा इमारतों में विस्‍फोट के बाद जब तक पूरा मलबा उस जगह से साफ नहीं हो जाएगा. तब तक जैसे-जैसे हवा चलेगी, परेशानी होगी. केरल में टावर गिरने पर बढ़ा था प्रदूषण वे कहते हैं कि केरल के कोच्चि और मराडु में चार टावर गिराई गई थीं. उस जगह से मलबा हटाने में दो महीने से भी ज्‍यादा का समय लगा था. इससे वहां की वायु में प्रदूषण पांच गुना तक बढ़ा हुआ देखा गया था. वायु गुणवत्‍ता में आई इस खराबी का खामियाजा वहां के लोगों को स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य संबंधी परेशानियों के रूप में झेलना पड़ा था. नोएडा की ट्विन टावरों से भी काफी ज्‍यादा मलबा निकलेगा, जो एक से दो महीनों में जाकर पूरी तरह साफ होगा, ऐसे में वहां आसपास रहने वाले लोगों के लिए भी यह एक चुनौती से कम नहीं है. हालांकि काफी हद तक चीजें मौसम और हवा की गति पर निर्भर करेंगी.

Urban Lab

North India most-polluted region in 2022 summers: CSE

North India emerged because the most-polluted area within the nation in summers this 12 months with Delhi-NCR being the hotspot, in keeping with a brand new evaluation by the Middle for Science and Atmosphere ,CSE, The inexperienced think-tank stated the typical PM2.5 focus in north India in summers stood at 71 microgram per cubic meter. It was 69 microgram per cubic meter in east India, 54 microgram per cubic meter in west India, and 46 microgram per cubic meter in central India, it stated. Northeast India (35 microgram per cubic meter) and South India (31 microgram per cubic meter) had been cleaner in comparison with different areas, it stated. In north India, Delhi-NCR was discovered to be the most-polluted sub-region, with Bhiwadi reporting the best common PM2.5 focus of 134 microgram per cubic meter. Manesar reported common PM2.5 focus of 119 microgram per cubic meter, Ghaziabad (101 microgram per cubic meter), Delhi (97 microgram per cubic meter), Gurugram (94 microgram per cubic meter) and Noida (80 microgram per cubic meter), it stated. PM2.5 summer time common of Delhi-NCR area is sort of 3 times the typical of the cities in southern India. The CSE used granular real-time information from the Central Air pollution Management Board’s portal — Central Management Room for Air High quality Administration for the evaluation. The information is captured from 356 official stations underneath the Steady Ambient Air High quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) unfold throughout 174 cities in 26 states and Union Territories.

Urban Lab

A CSE evaluation Battered by heatwaves, excessive particulate air pollution

CSE’s nationwide evaluation says north India has suffered the utmost air pollution — Delhi-NCR a hotspot. PM2.5 common of NCR virtually 3 times the common of cities in southern India Day by day peak air pollution highest in east India — cities in Bihar document the best ranges General common air pollution this summer time increased than final summer time Mega cities not essentially the most polluted — smaller cities turn out to be the air pollution hotspots. Dominate essentially the most polluted record for 2022 summer time. Bhiwadi in Rajasthan tops the record. Excessive summer time air pollution results of a mix of air pollution from automobiles, business, energy vegetation, waste burning, and dirt sources and wind-blown mud, aggravated by warmth and arid situations CSE says “this requires stringent measures to chop emissions from all air pollution sources whereas making large efforts to fight desertification, enhance soil stabilisation, green-wall by means of afforestation, scale back warmth island impact in cities, and management forest and crop fires throughout all areas” Discover the entire evaluation Click on right here New Delhi, August 24, 2022: The summer time of 2022 was not solely unusually scorching but additionally uncharacteristically excessive on particulate air pollution, particularly in north India. Excessive PM2.5 ranges have been noticed throughout a number of cities and areas, and air pollution has not been confined to some mega cities or a particular area — it’s a widespread nationwide drawback. This has emerged from the evaluation of summer time air high quality undertaken as a part of the air 2 high quality tracker initiative of the City Lab at Centre for Science and Atmosphere (CSE). Summer season days from March 1 to Might 31 have been thought-about for the evaluation, as rains had set in throughout June in a number of areas. As availability of actual time air high quality knowledge has improved in a number of areas with enlargement of the air high quality monitoring programs, it has turn out to be potential to evaluate the regional variations and perceive the distinctive regional developments. “This evaluation identifies the distinctive patterns of air pollution throughout all areas and places a highlight on numerous cities and cities that don’t get coverage consideration. Summer season particulate air pollution spikes because of arid situations, excessive summer time warmth and temperature, and extra airborne mud particles that journey lengthy distances compounding the issue from native sources,” says Anumita Roychowdhury, government director, analysis and advocacy, CSE. “This air high quality tracker initiative has helped to benchmark the summer time air high quality for peerto-peer comparability inside every area and perceive the inter-regional variations that want to tell coverage motion. A number of areas skilled excessive particulate air pollution when warmth wave situations have been additionally widespread and intense,” says Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme supervisor on the City Lab. Information evaluation: This evaluation is predicated on publicly out there granular actual time knowledge (15- minute averages) from the Central Air pollution Management Board’s (CPCB) official on-line portal, Central Management Room for Air High quality Administration. The information is captured from 356 official stations beneath the Steady Ambient Air High quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) unfold throughout 174 cities in 26 states and Union territories. Regardless that there are a number of actual time screens in a number of cities, many couldn’t be thought-about for this summer time air air pollution evaluation because of knowledge gaps and lack of high quality knowledge. Furthermore, in a number of circumstances, the true time screens have been arrange not too long ago and subsequently, long run knowledge isn’t out there. A number of cities of south and northeastern areas have procured their actual time screens in April 2022. Questions on high quality are being raised because of circumstances just like the one the place the CPCB has reported the identical knowledge for Aurangabad in Bihar and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Regional divisions: North India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir Northeast India: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh West India: Gujarat and Maharashtra Central India: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh East India: Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand South India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry Key findings North India is essentially the most polluted, with Delhi-NCR being the summer time air pollution hotspot: Summer season common PM2.5 for North India stood at 71 µg/m³, the best amongst all of the areas. East India with 69 µg/m³ summer time common was the second worst. West India (54 µg/m³) and Central India (46 µg/m³) additionally recorded summer time degree entry of 40 µg/m³. Northeast India (35 µg/m³) and South India (31 µg/m³) have been the cleaner in comparison with different areas. Inside North India, Delhi NCR was discovered to be most polluted sub-region. The cities of Delhi-NCR recorded very excessive summer time PM2.5 averages, with Bhiwadi reporting the best summer time common of 134 µg/m³. Manesar (119 µg/m³), Ghaziabad (101 µg/m³), Delhi (97 µg/m³), Gurugram (94 µg/m³) and Noida (80 µg/m³). The PM2.5 common of NCR area is sort of 3 times the common of the cities in southern India. Day by day peak air pollution was highest in east India, with cities of Bihar recording the best ranges: Summer season every day peak PM2.5 ranges for East India stood at 168 µg/m³, the best amongst all of the areas. North India with 142 µg/m³ summer time peak was the second worst. West India (106 µg/m³), Central India (89 µg/m³), Northeast India (81 µg/m³) and South India (65 µg/m³) additionally recorded summer time peak in entry of 60 µg/m Inside North India, Delhi NCR was discovered to be most polluted sub-region. The cities of Bihar recorded very excessive summer time PM2.5 averages, with Bihar Sharif reporting the best summer time peak of 285 µg/m³. Katihar (245 µg/m³) and Patna (200 µg/m³) additionally recorded peak degree in entry of 200 µg/m³. Rohtak recorded the best peak air pollution in North India with a 258 µg/m³ every day peak. It is very important observe that mega cities usually are not essentially the most polluted in any of the areas, it’s the smaller and upcoming cities which can be air pollution hotspots. Common air pollution this summer time is increased than the earlier summer time: The regional PM2.5 ranges this summer time is increased in comparison with earlier summer time in North, Central, East and West areas, says Somvanshi. PM2.5 ranges stagnated in South India whereas Northeast registered a decline. North India have recorded a staggering 23 per cent improve in seasonal PM2.5 degree in comparison with the earlier summer time primarily based on a median of cities which have legitimate every day PM2.5 focus knowledge of each summers (1 March to 31 Might). Inside North India, NCR was the worst performing sub-region with 25.8 per cent improve in seasonal PM2.5 degree. Central India registered improve of 15.6 per cent whereas West India (4.2 per cent) and East India (1.8 per cent) registered improve beneath 5 per cent. South India confirmed no change within the seasonal common however noticed a decline of twenty-two per cent in seasonal peak. Northeast India registered drop in each seasonal common (-12.8 per cent) and seasonal peak (-18.3 per cent). East India was the one area which registered a rise in its seasonal peak in comparison with final summer time Smaller cities and cities dominate essentially the most polluted record for this summer time: Bhiwadi in Rajasthan was essentially the most polluted metropolis in India this summer time with seasonal common of 4 134 µg/m³. Manesar in Haryana was the second most polluted metropolis with a seasonal common of 119 µg/m³. Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh is the third most polluted metropolis with seasonal common of 110 µg/m³. Rohtak, Haryana and Muzaffarnagar, UP are the opposite cities within the high 5 most polluted cities. 12 cities of Delhi-NCR characteristic in high 20 cities with highest air pollution ranges this summer time. From peak summer time air pollution perspective Northern Haryana cities utterly dominate the record of most polluted with considerably worse 24-hr averages in comparison with remainder of the cities. Aizwal in Mizoram and Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu have been the least polluted cities within the nation this summer time. North India Northern cities with rising summer time air pollution developments: 19 cities within the area present rising pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak elevated in comparison with their earlier summer time. Hapur in Uttar Pradesh noticed a staggering spike of 210 % in the summertime common and a peak common improve of 265 per cent. It was adopted by Kaithal in Haryana that registered 123 per cent improve in summer time common and 96 per cent improve in peak. Different cities that present improve embrace Muzaffarnagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Rohtak, Ambala, Mandi Gobindgarh, Manesar, Udaipur, Yamuna Nagar, Bahardurgarh, Hisar, Gurugram, Kota, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Khanna, and Meerut. Northern cities with combined pattern within the common and peak ranges throughout summer time: 23 cities within the area present combined pattern, i.e. their summer time common has elevated however the peak air pollution declined in comparison with their earlier summer time. Solely Bhatinda is displaying decline of their summer time common (11 per cent) and improve of 1 % in peak air pollution in comparison with final summer time. Narnaul has essentially the most divergent pattern as its peak common declined by 52 per cent however its summer time common is 12 per cent increased. Charki Dadri in Haryana present essentially the most improve of 85 % of their summer time common and registered 27 per cent decrease peak air pollution adopted by Chandigarh, Kanour, Dharuhera, Jaipur, Patiala, Ajmer, Delhi, Karnal, Faridabad, Noida, Narnaul, Jind, Bhiwadi, Palwal, Bulandshahr, Amritsar, Jodpur, Higher Noida, Sirsa, Alwar, Ghaziabad, and Bhatinda. Cities recording declining pattern in summer time air pollution: Seven cities present declining pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak decreased in comparison with their earlier summer time. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh noticed the best decline with a drop of 59 per cent of their summer time common and 64 per cent decrease peak. Different cities with declining pattern embrace Ballabgarh, Jalandhar, Pali, Agra, Mandikhera, and Srinagar. Cities with highest summer time air pollution within the Northern area: The highest 12 most polluted spots are occupied by neighboring Delhi- NCR cities. Most polluted metropolis within the area throughout summer time was Bhiwadi with summer time common of 134 μg/m3 adopted by Manesar that had a summer time common of 119 µg/m³. Different cities embrace Rohtak, Muzaffarnagar, Bahadurgarh, Charkhi Dadri, Delhi, Hisar, Dharuhera, Faridabad, Yamuna Nagar, and Gurugram. Cities of Delhi-NCR utterly dominated the record of the 5 most polluted. Rohtak in Haryana exhibits the best peak of 258 µg/m³ adopted by Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab with a 240 µg/m³ summer time peak Cities with least summer time air pollution within the Northern area: Srinagar has recorded ranges which can be lowest within the area. Different cities with a decrease summer time common embrace Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj in UP. Nevertheless, all northern cities—except for Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and Srinagar in J&Okay—had peak summer time air pollution ranges that have been increased than the 24-hr customary restrict of 60 µg/m³. East India Cities with rising summer time air pollution pattern within the Jap area: 4 cities within the area present rising pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak elevated in comparison with their earlier summer time. Muzaffarpur in Bihar noticed a soar of 24 per cent in the summertime common and 14 per cent improve in peak. Hajipur in Bihar registered 11 per cent improve in summer time common and seven per cent improve in peak. Different cities are Durgapur and Haldia in West Bengal. Cities with combined pattern within the common and peak summer time air pollution ranges: Three cities within the area present combined pattern, i.e. their summer time common elevated however peak air pollution declined in comparison with their earlier summer time besides Howrah in West Bengal which noticed a summer time common drop of 5 per cent whereas seeing an eight per cent improve in peak air pollution ranges in comparison with the earlier summer time. Patna in Bihar noticed a summer time common improve of 20 per cent and a decline of seven per cent within the peak adopted by Gaya in Bihar with 16 per cent decline within the peak common and a summer time common improve of 5 per cent. Cities with declining summer time pattern within the Jap area: Three cities within the area present declining pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak decreased in comparison with their final summer time. Siliguri in West Bengal noticed essentially the most decline with a drop of 21 per cent of their summer time common and 43 per cent decrease peak. Kolkata additionally registered decline — summer time common declining by 12 per cent and peak by 2 per cent. Cities with highest summer time air pollution within the Jap area: Most polluted metropolis within the area embrace Katihar in Bihar with summer time common of 95 µg/m³. It’s adopted by Patna in Bihar with summer time common of 91 µg/m³ and Durgapur in West Bengal with 84 μg/m3. The following ten most polluted spots have been occupied by the small cities of Bihar. Arrah in Bihar is the least polluted with summer time common of 49 µg/m³. All of the cities of West Bengal besides Durgapur confirmed their summer time common under the usual restrict of 60 µg/m³. Cities with least summer time air pollution within the Jap area: Haldia and Kolkata in West Bengal recorded the bottom summer time common among the many cities of the area. All of the cities within the area have recorded peak air pollution ranges above 24-hr customary. West India Cities with rising pattern in Western area: Three cities within the area present 6 rising pattern, in each summer time common and peak ranges in comparison with the earlier summer time. Pune in Maharashtra noticed a soar of 42 per cent in the summertime common and 31 per cent improve in peak. Ankleshwar in Gujarat registered 36 per cent improve in summer time common and 10 per cent improve in peak. Mumbai in Maharashtra registered 18 per cent improve in summer time common and 12 per cent improve in peak. Cities with declining pattern in Western area: Six cities within the area present declining pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak ranges, in comparison with the earlier summer time. Vatva in Gujarat noticed essentially the most decline with a drop of 33 per cent of their summer time common and 45 per cent decrease peak. It’s adopted by Navi Mumbai the place the summer time common declined by 28 per cent and peak by 49 per cent. Different cities that present declining pattern embrace Nashik, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Chandrapur. Cities with highest summer time air pollution within the Western area: Most polluted metropolis within the area was Gandhinagar with seasonal common of 68 µg/m³. Subsequent two spot have been occupied by Ahmedabad and Pune. Cities with least summer time air pollution within the Western area: Nashik in Maharashtra recorded the bottom summer time common within the area adopted by Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Apart from Nashik, all of the cities within the area noticed peak air pollution ranges above the usual restrict of 60 µg/m³. Central India Cities with rising summer time pattern in Central area: Six cities within the area present rising pattern in each summer time common and peak ranges in comparison with the pervious summer time. Mandideep in Madhya Pradesh essentially the most divergent pattern with summer time common rising by 40 per cent however its peak was 94 per cent increased. Gwalior registered 35 per cent improve in summer time common and 12 per cent improve in peak. Different cities that present rising pattern embrace Jabalpur, Ratlam, and Ujjain. Cities with combined pattern in common and peak ranges: Six cities within the area present combined pattern, i.e. their summer time common have improve however peak air pollution decline in comparison with the earlier summer time or visa-versa. Dewas in Madhya Pradesh registered 30 per cent improve in summer time common and 20 per cent drop in peak. It’s adopted by Bhopal with summer time common improve by 23 per cent however its peak was 17 per cent decrease. Damoh and Satna had decline in summer time common by 5 and 19 per cent however their peak was 49 and 28 per cent increased. Cities with declining summer time pattern in Central area: Solely two cities within the area present declining pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak decreased in comparison with the earlier summer time. Sagar in Madhya Pradesh noticed essentially the most decline with a drop of 48 per cent of their peak common and 5 per cent decrease summer time common, adopted by Singrauli with one per cent decline in summer time common and 19 per cent decrease peak. Cities with highest summer time air pollution within the Central area: Most polluted metropolis within the area was Singrauli with summer time common of 110 µg/m³. Subsequent two spot have been occupied 7 by Katni and Ujjain. Singrauli with peak 24-hr degree of 198 µg/m³ had highest peak air pollution within the area. Cities with least summer time air pollution within the Central area: Satna and Bilaspur recorded the bottom summer time common and peak common within the area whereas, all the opposite cities within the area noticed peak air pollution ranges above the usual restrict of 60 µg/m³. Southern India Cities with rising pattern within the Southern area: Eight cities within the area present rising pattern, i.e. each summer time common and peak elevated in comparison with their earlier summer time. Kozhikode noticed a soar of 76 % in summer time common and 17 per cent improve in peak. Kochi has essentially the most divergent pattern with 55 per cent improve in the summertime common however its peak improve by 145 per cent. Different cities with rising pattern within the area are Madikheri, Bengaluru, Puducherry, Amravati, Chikkaballapur, and Thiruvananthapuram. Cities with combined pattern in common and peak ranges: Six cities within the area present combined pattern of their summer time common and peak air pollution degree in comparison with the pervious summer time. Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh noticed improve in summer time common by 19 per cent however its peak decline by 23 per cent. Chennai and Hyderabad additionally recorded combined pattern with summer time common improve by 14 and 10 per cent however their peak was decrease by 11 and seven per cent. Visakhapatnam registered no change in summer time common however its peak decrease by one per cent. Different cities with combined pattern within the area are Hubbali, and Yadgir. Cities with declining pattern in Southern area: 5 cities within the area present declining pattern, — each summer time common and peak decreased in comparison with their earlier summer time. Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu noticed the best decline with a drop of 65 per cent of their summer time common and 57 per cent decrease peak. Mangalore exhibits essentially the most divergent pattern with decline in peak common by 73 per cent and summer time common decline by 31 per cent. Different cities with declining pattern are Kannur, Rajamahendravaram, and Kollam. Cities with highest summer time air pollution ranges within the Southern area: Most polluted metropolis within the area was Hyderabad with summer time common of 47 µg/m³. It’s are adopted by Bengaluru with 40 µg/m³. Cities with least summer time air pollution within the Southern area: Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu and Vijaypura in Karnataka recorded the bottom summer time common within the area. All of the cities within the area had their summer time common decrease than the 24- customary restrict of 60 µg/m³ Northeast India Cities with combined developments within the Northeast: Agartala in Tripura present combined pattern, i.e. their summer time common registered no change however its peak air pollution declined by 12 per cent in comparison with their final summer time. Cities with declining pattern within the Northeast: Two cities within the area present declining pattern in summer time common and peak ranges in comparison with the earlier summer time. Aizwal in Mizoram noticed essentially the most decline with a drop of 57 per cent of their respective summer time averages and 55 per cent decrease peak. Guwahati registered 13 per cent decline in its summer time common and peak degree declining by 28 per cent. Cities with highest summer time air pollution ranges in Northeast area: Most polluted metropolis within the area embrace Guwahati with summer time common of 56 µg/m³. That is adopted by Agartala that registered summer time common of 45 µg/m³. Cities with least summer time air pollution in Northeast area: Aizwal recorded the bottom summer time common within the area. The way in which ahead Says Roychowdhury: “General, seasonal air pollution is anticipated to be extremely variable as a result of impression of native and regional air pollution, and meteorological and climatic impacts that want to tell coverage making. Resulting from arid and warmth situations and rising desertification, summer time months often witness excessive mud impacts. However the mud can be a service of poisonous substances from combustion sources together with automobiles, business, energy vegetation and burning of waste. Whereas the native nature of this drawback must be investigated in all areas, this requires vital tightening of motion to manage emissions from every air pollution supply in addition to large efforts to fight desertification, enhance soil stabilisation, green-walling by means of afforestation, and scale back the warmth island impact in

Urban Lab

North India most-polluted region in 2022 summers: CSE

North India emerged as the most-polluted region in the country in summers this year with Delhi-NCR being the hotspot, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The green think-tank said the average PM2.5 concentration in north India in summers stood at 71 microgram per cubic metre. It was 69 microgram per cubic metre in east India, 54 microgram per cubic metre in west India, and 46 microgram per cubic metre in central India, it said. Northeast India (35 microgram per cubic metre) and South India (31 microgram per cubic metre) were cleaner compared to other regions, it said. In north India, Delhi-NCR was found to be the most-polluted sub-region, with Bhiwadi reporting the highest average PM2.5 concentration of 134 microgram per cubic metre. Manesar reported average PM2.5 concentration of 119 microgram per cubic metre, Ghaziabad (101 microgram per cubic metre), Delhi (97 microgram per cubic metre), Gurugram (94 microgram per cubic metre) and Noida (80 microgram per cubic metre), it said. PM2.5 summer average of Delhi-NCR region is almost three times the average of the cities in southern India. The CSE used granular real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s portal—Central Control Room for Air Quality Management for the analysis. The data is captured from 356 official stations under the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) spread across 174 cities in 26 states and Union territories. PTI

Urban Lab

North India most-polluted region in 2022 summers: CSE – Times of India

North India emerged as the most-polluted region in the country in summers this year with Delhi-NCR being the hotspot, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The green think-tank said the average PM2.5 concentration in north India in summers stood at 71 microgram per cubic metre. It was 69 microgram per cubic metre in east India, 54 microgram per cubic metre in west India, and 46 microgram per cubic metre in central India, it said. Northeast India (35 microgram per cubic metre) and South India (31 microgram per cubic metre) were cleaner compared to other regions, it said. In north India, Delhi-NCR was found to be the most-polluted sub-region, with Bhiwadi reporting the highest average PM2.5 concentration of 134 microgram per cubic metre. Manesar reported average PM2.5 concentration of 119 microgram per cubic metre, Ghaziabad (101 microgram per cubic metre), Delhi (97 microgram per cubic metre), Gurugram (94 microgram per cubic metre) and Noida (80 microgram per cubic metre), it said. PM2.5 summer average of Delhi-NCR region is almost three times the average of the cities in southern India. The CSE used granular real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s portal — Central Control Room for Air Quality Management for the analysis. The data is captured from 356 official stations under the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) spread across 174 cities in 26 states and Union territories.

Urban Lab

Punjab: Summer of 2022 hotter than usual; Delhi-NCR most polluted in North India

BATHINDA: The north Indian summer of 2022 was hotter than usual with an uncharacteristic high air pollution. The levels of PM 2.5 were high across multiple cities and regions, indicating that air is getting fouler across the country. The findings show North India to be the most polluted, with the NCR being the summer pollution hotspot. Private research advocacy Centre for Science and Environment’s air quality tracker recorded these figures from March 1 to May 31, before the rains came in June. CSE said: “Growing desertification has put more dust into the air, and since that dust is also a carrier of toxins from vehicles, industry, power plants, and burning waste, the country needs to combat desertification and improve soil stability to reduce the heat island effect.”

Urban Lab

Guwahati and Agartala most polluted cities in northeast this summer: Study

GUWAHATI: As the Indian summer has become deadly with air pollution, an analysis of summer air quality, recorded between March and May this year, done by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has marked Guwahati and Agartala as the most polluted cities in the northeast. gfx However, Aizwal earned the distinction as the least polluted city in the country during the period. Track the pollution level in your city Congratulations! You have successfully cast your vote While summer peaks in the northeast in June-July, the regional profile of summer pollution has shown north India to be most polluted in the country with summer average PM2.5 at 71 g/m³, whereas northeast India (35 g/m³) and south India (31 g/m³) were the least polluted. PM2.5 or particulate matter is an air pollutant, made up of particles (tiny pieces) of solids or liquids that is a concern for people's health when those levels in air are high. According to data, PM2.5 level till 12 is good, from 12.1 to 34 is moderate, 35 is unhealthy for sensitive groups and above 55 is simply unhealthy. PM2.5 level above 150 is extremely unhealthy air quality with more than 150 hazardous. "The most polluted city in the region includes Guwahati with a summer average of 56 g/m³. This is followed by Agartala that registered a summer average of 45 g/m³," according to the analysis. Study: Out of country's 129 cities, Mizoram least polluted Mizoram's capital Aizwal recorded the lowest average in the NE region as hill stations are relatively less polluted than cities in river valleys and foothills. Out of the 129 cities analysed in the country, Mizoram was the least polluted with PM2.5 average of 11 and peak value of 30. Guwahati, despite being the most polluted city in the northeast, came 60th among polluted cities in the country, where Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) topped the chart. The March-May PM2.5 average of Guwahati was 56, while peak value was recorded to be 162. Bhiwadi was the most polluted city in India this summer with a seasonal average of 134 g/m³. Guwahati and Aizawl have shown a decline in pollution level, where both summer average and peak pollution decreased compared to previous season. Aizawl witnessed the highest dip with a drop of 57% in summer average and 55% lower peak pollution. Guwahati registered a 13% decline in summer average and peak pollution level declining by 28%. Agartala showed a mixed trend, with summer average registering no change but peak pollution declined by 12%, if compared to the same period last year.

Urban Lab

SUMMER OF 2022: A CSE assessment Battered by heatwaves, high particulate pollution

The summer of 2022 was not only unusually hot but also uncharacteristically high on particulate pollution, especially in north India. High PM2.5 levels were observed across multiple cities and regions, and pollution has not been confined to a few mega cities or a specific region — it is a widespread national problem. This has emerged from the analysis of summer air quality undertaken as part of the air quality tracker initiative of the Urban Lab at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Summer days from March 1 to May 31 have been considered for the analysis, as rains had set in during June in several regions. As availability of real time air quality data has improved in several regions with expansion of the air quality monitoring systems, it has become possible to assess the regional differences and understand the unique regional trends. “This analysis identifies the unique patterns of pollution across all regions and puts a spotlight on a large number of towns and cities that do not get policy attention. Summer particulate pollution spikes due to arid conditions, high summer heat and temperature, and more airborne dust particles that travel long distances compounding the problem from local sources,” says Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, CSE. “This air quality tracker initiative has helped to benchmark the summer air quality for peer-to-peer comparison within each region and understand the inter-regional differences that need to inform policy action. Several regions experienced high particulate pollution when heat wave conditions were also widespread and intense,” says Avikal Somvanshi, senior programme manager at the Urban Lab. Data analysis: This analysis is based on publicly available granular real time data (15-minute averages) from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) official online portal, Central Control Room for Air Quality Management. The data is captured from 356 official stations under the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) spread across 174 cities in 26 states and Union territories. Even though there are multiple real time monitors in a few cities, many could not be considered for this summer air pollution analysis due to data gaps and lack of quality data. Moreover, in several cases, the real time monitors have been set up recently and therefore, long term data is not available. Several cities of south and northeastern regions have procured their real time monitors in April 2022. Questions on quality are being raised due to cases like the one where the CPCB has reported the same data for Aurangabad in Bihar and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Regional divisions: North India: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir Northeast India: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh West India: Gujarat and Maharashtra Central India: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh East India: Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand South India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry. Key findings North India is the most polluted, with Delhi-NCR being the summer pollution hotspot: Summer average PM2.5for North India stood at 71 µg/m³, the highest among all the regions. East India with 69 µg/m³ summer average was the second worst. West India (54 µg/m³) and Central India (46 µg/m³) also recorded summer level access of 40 µg/m³. Northeast India (35 µg/m³) and South India (31 µg/m³) were the cleaner compared to other regions. Within North India, Delhi NCR was found to be most polluted sub-region. The cities of Delhi-NCR recorded very high summer PM2.5 averages, with Bhiwadi reporting the highest summer average of 134 µg/m³. Manesar (119 µg/m³), Ghaziabad (101 µg/m³), Delhi (97 µg/m³), Gurugram (94 µg/m³) and Noida (80 µg/m³). The PM2.5average of NCR region is almost three times the average of the cities in southern India. Daily peak pollution was highest in east India, with cities of Bihar recording the highest levels: Summer daily peak PM2.5 levels for East India stood at 168 µg/m³, the highest among all the regions. North India with 142 µg/m³ summer peak was the second worst. West India (106 µg/m³), Central India (89 µg/m³), Northeast India (81 µg/m³) and South India (65 µg/m³) also recorded summer peak in access of 60 µg/m Within North India, Delhi NCR was found to be most polluted sub-region. The cities of Bihar recorded very high summer PM2.5 averages, with Bihar Sharif reporting the highest summer peak of 285 µg/m³. Katihar (245 µg/m³) and Patna (200 µg/m³) also recorded peak level in access of 200 µg/m³. Rohtak recorded the highest peak pollution in North India with a 258 µg/m³ daily peak. It is important to note that mega cities are not the most polluted in any of the regions, it is the smaller and upcoming cities that are pollution hotspots. Average pollution this summer is higher than the previous summer: The regional PM2.5levels this summer is higher compared to previous summer in North, Central, East and West regions, says Somvanshi. PM2.5levels stagnated in South India while Northeast registered a decline. North India have recorded a staggering 23 per cent increase in seasonal PM2.5level compared to the previous summer based on an average of cities that have valid daily PM2.5concentration data of both summers (1 March to 31 May). Within North India, NCR was the worst performing sub-region with 25.8 per cent increase in seasonal PM2.5 level. Central India registered increase of 15.6 per cent while West India (4.2 per cent) and East India (1.8 per cent) registered increase under five per cent. South India showed no change in the seasonal average but saw a decline of 22 per cent in seasonal peak. Northeast India registered drop in both seasonal average (-12.8 per cent) and seasonal peak (-18.3 per cent). East India was the only region which registered an increase in its seasonal peak compared to last summer Smaller cities and towns dominate the most polluted list for this summer: Bhiwadi in Rajasthan was the most polluted city in India this summer with seasonal average of 134 µg/m³. Manesar in Haryana was the second most polluted city with a seasonal average of 119 µg/m³. Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh is the third most polluted city with seasonal average of 110 µg/m³. Rohtak, Haryana and Muzaffarnagar, UP are the other cities in the top five most polluted cities. 12 cities of Delhi-NCR feature in top 20 cities with highest pollution levels this summer. From peak summer pollution perspective Northern Haryana cities completely dominate the list of most polluted with significantly worse 24-hr averages compared to rest of the cities. Aizwal in Mizoram and Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu were the least polluted cities in the country this summer. North India Northern cities with increasing summer pollution trends: 19 cities in the region show increasing trend, i.e. both summer average and peak increased compared to their previous summer. Hapur in Uttar Pradesh saw a staggering spike of 210 percent in the summer average and a peak average increase of 265 per cent. It was followed by Kaithal in Haryana that registered 123 per cent increase in summer average and 96 per cent increase in peak. Other cities that show increase include Muzaffarnagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Rohtak, Ambala, Mandi Gobindgarh, Manesar, Udaipur, Yamuna Nagar, Bahardurgarh, Hisar, Gurugram, Kota, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Khanna, and Meerut. Northern cities with mixed trend in the average and peak levels during summer: 23 cities in the region show mixed trend, i.e. their summer average has increased but the peak pollution declined compared to their previous summer. Only Bhatinda is showing decline in their summer average (11 per cent) and increase of one percent in peak pollution compared to last summer. Narnaul has the most divergent trend as its peak average declined by 52 per cent but its summer average is 12 per cent higher. Charki Dadri in Haryana show the most increase of 85 percent in their summer average and registered 27 per cent lower peak pollution followed by Chandigarh, Kanour, Dharuhera, Jaipur, Patiala, Ajmer, Delhi, Karnal, Faridabad, Noida, Narnaul, Jind, Bhiwadi, Palwal, Bulandshahr, Amritsar, Jodpur, Greater Noida, Sirsa, Alwar, Ghaziabad, and Bhatinda. Cities recording declining trend in summer pollution: Seven cities show declining trend, i.e. both summer average and peak decreased compared to their previous summer. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh saw the highest decline with a drop of 59 per cent in their summer average and 64 per cent lower peak. Other cities with declining trend include Ballabgarh, Jalandhar, Pali, Agra, Mandikhera, and Srinagar. Cities with highest summer pollution in the Northern region: The top 12 most polluted spots are occupied by neighboring Delhi- NCR cities. Most polluted city in the region during summer was Bhiwadi with summer average of 134 μg/m3 followed by Manesar that had a summer average of 119 µg/m³. Other cities include Rohtak, Muzaffarnagar, Bahadurgarh, Charkhi Dadri, Delhi, Hisar, Dharuhera, Faridabad, Yamuna Nagar, and Gurugram. Cities of Delhi-NCR completely dominated the list of the most polluted. Rohtak in Haryana shows the highest peak of 258 µg/m³ followed by Mandi Gobindgarh in Punjab with a 240 µg/m³ summer peak. Cities with least summer pollution in the Northern region: Srinagar has recorded levels that are lowest in the region. Other cities with a lower summer average include Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj in UP. However, all northern cities—aside from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and Srinagar in J&K—had peak summer pollution levels that were higher than the 24-hr standard limit of 60 µg/m³. East India Cities with increasing summer pollution trend in the Eastern region: Four cities in the region show increasing trend, i.e. both summer average and peak increased compared to their previous summer. Muzaffarpur in Bihar saw a jump of 24 per cent in the summer average and 14 per cent increase in peak. Hajipur in Bihar registered 11 per cent increase in summer average and 7 per cent increase in peak. Other cities are Durgapur and Haldia in West Bengal. Cities with mixed trend in the average and peak summer pollution levels: Three cities in the region show mixed trend, i.e. their summer average increased but peak pollution declined compared to their previous summer except Howrah in West Bengal which saw a summer average drop of five per cent while seeing an eight per cent increase in peak pollution levels compared to the previous summer. Patna in Bihar saw a summer average increase of 20 per cent and a decline of 7 per cent in the peak followed by Gaya in Bihar with 16 per cent decline in the peak average and a summer average increase of five per cent. Cities with declining summer trend in the Eastern region: Three cities in the region show declining trend, i.e. both summer average and peak decreased compared to their last summer. Siliguri in West Bengal saw the most decline with a drop of 21 per cent in their summer average and 43 per cent lower peak. Kolkata also registered decline — summer average declining by 12 per cent and peak by 2 per cent. Cities with highest summer pollution in the Eastern region: Most polluted city in the region include Katihar in Bihar with summer average of 95 µg/m³. It is followed by Patna in Bihar with summer average of 91 µg/m³ and Durgapur in West Bengal with 84 μg/m3. The next ten most polluted spots were occupied by the small cities of Bihar. Arrah in Bihar is the least polluted with summer average of 49 µg/m³. All the cities of West Bengal except Durgapur showed their summer average below the standard limit of 60 µg/m³. Cities with least summer pollution in the Eastern region: Haldia and Kolkata in West Bengal recorded the lowest summer average among the cities of the region. All the cities in the region have recorded peak pollution levels above 24-hr standard. West India Cities with increasing trend in Western region: Three cities in the region show increasing trend, in both summer average and peak levels compared to the previous summer. Pune in Maharashtra saw a jump of 42 per cent in the summer average and 31 per cent increase in peak. Ankleshwar in Gujarat registered 36 per cent increase in summer average and 10 per cent increase in peak. Mumbai in Maharashtra registered 18 per cent increase in summer average and 12 per cent increase in peak. Cities with declining trend in Western region: Six cities in the region show declining trend, i.e. both summer average and peak levels, compared to the previous summer. Vatva in Gujarat saw the most decline with a drop of 33 per cent in their summer average and 45 per cent lower peak. It is followed by Navi Mumbai where the summer average declined by 28 per cent and peak by 49 per cent. Other cities that show declining trend include Nashik, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Chandrapur. Cities with highest summer pollution in the Western region: Most polluted city in the region was Gandhinagar with seasonal average of 68 µg/m³. Next two spot were occupied by Ahmedabad and Pune. Cities with least summer pollution in the Western region: Nashik in Maharashtra recorded the lowest summer average in the region followed by Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Other than Nashik, all the cities in the region saw peak pollution levels above the standard limit of 60 µg/m³. Central India Cities with increasing summer trend in Central region: Six cities in the region show increasing trend in both summer average and peak levels compared to the pervious summer. Mandideep in Madhya Pradesh the most divergent trend with summer average increasing by 40 per cent but its peak was 94 per cent higher. Gwalior registered 35 per cent increase in summer average and 12 per cent increase in peak. Other cities that show increasing trend include Jabalpur, Ratlam, and Ujjain. Cities with mixed trend in average and peak levels: Six cities in the region show mixed trend, i.e. their summer average have increase but peak pollution decline compared to the previous summer or visa-versa. Dewas in Madhya Pradesh registered 30 per cent increase in summer average and 20 per cent drop in peak. It is followed by Bhopal with summer average increase by 23 per cent but its peak was 17 per cent lower. Damoh and Satna had decline in summer average by 5 and 19 per cent but their peak was 49 and 28 per cent higher. Cities with declining summer trend in Central region: Only two cities in the region show declining trend, i.e. both summer average and peak decreased compared to the previous summer. Sagar in Madhya Pradesh saw the most decline with a drop of 48 per cent in their peak average and five per cent lower summer average, followed by Singrauli with one per cent decline in summer average and 19 per cent lower peak. Cities with highest summer pollution in the Central region: Most polluted city in the region was Singrauli with summer average of 110 µg/m³. Next two spot were occupied by Katni and Ujjain. Singrauli with peak 24-hr level of 198 µg/m³ had highest peak pollution in the region. Cities with least summer pollution in the Central region: Satna and Bilaspur recorded the lowest summer average and peak average in the region while, all the other cities in the region saw peak pollution levels above the standard limit of 60 µg/m³. Southern India Cities with increasing trend in the Southern region: Eight cities in the region show increasing trend, i.e. both summer average and peak increased compared to their previous summer. Kozhikode saw a jump of 76 percent in summer average and 17 per cent increase in peak. Kochi has the most divergent trend with 55 per cent increase in the summer average but its peak increase by 145 per cent. Other cities with increasing trend in the region are Madikheri, Bengaluru, Puducherry, Amravati, Chikkaballapur, and Thiruvananthapuram. Cities with mixed trend in average and peak levels: Six cities in the region show mixed trend in their summer average and peak pollution level compared to the pervious summer. Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh saw increase in summer average by 19 per cent but its peak decline by 23 per cent. Chennai and Hyderabad also recorded mixed trend with summer average increase by 14 and 10 per cent but their peak was lower by 11 and 7 per cent. Visakhapatnam registered no change in summer average but its peak lower by one per cent. Other cities with mixed trend in the region are Hubbali, and Yadgir. Cities with declining trend in Southern region: Five cities in the region show declining trend, — both summer average and peak decreased compared to their previous summer. Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu saw the highest decline with a drop of 65 per cent in their summer average and 57 per cent lower peak. Mangalore shows the most divergent trend with decline in peak average by 73 per cent and summer average decline by 31 per cent. Other cities with declining trend are Kannur, Rajamahendravaram, and Kollam. Cities with highest summer pollution levels in the Southern region: Most polluted city in the region was Hyderabad with summer average of 47 µg/m³. It is are followed by Bengaluru with 40 µg/m³. Cities with least summer pollution in the Southern region: Gummidipoondi in Tamil Nadu and Vijaypura in Karnataka recorded the lowest summer average in the region. All the cities in the region had their summer average lower than the 24- standard limit of 60 µg/m³. Northeast India Cities with mixed trends in the Northeast: Agartala in Tripura show mixed trend, i.e. their summer average registered no change but its peak pollution declined by 12 per cent compared to their last summer. Cities with declining trend in the Northeast: Two cities in the region show declining trend in summer average and peak levels compared to the previous summer. Aizwal in Mizoram saw the most decline with a drop of 57 per cent in their respective summer averages and 55 per cent lower peak. Guwahati registered 13 per cent decline in its summer average and peak level declining by 28 per cent. Cities with highest summer pollution levels in Northeast region: Most polluted city in the region include Guwahati with summer average of 56 µg/m³. This is followed by Agartala that registered summer average of 45 µg/m³. Cities with least summer pollution in Northeast region: Aizwal recorded the lowest summer average in the region. The way forward Says Roychowdhury: “Overall, seasonal pollution is expected to be highly variable due to the impact of local and regional pollution, and meteorological and climatic impacts that need to inform policy making. Due to arid and heat conditions and growing desertification, summer months usually witness high dust impacts. But the dust is also a carrier of toxic substances from combustion sources including vehicles, industry, power plants and burning of waste. While the local nature of this problem needs to be investigated in all regions, this requires significant tightening of action to control emissions from each pollution source as well as massive efforts to combat desertification, improve soil stabilisation, green-walling through afforestation, and reduce the heat island effect in cities.”

Urban Lab

ट्विन टॉवर गिरते ही दिल्‍ली-NCR में बढ़ेगा प्रदूषण, नोएडा में लंबा रह सकता है असर, CSE विशेषज्ञ बोले

सीएसई क्‍लीन एयर कैंपेन के प्रोग्राम मैनेजर अविकल सोमवंशी कहते हैं कि यह एक अच्‍छी बात है कि इन इमारतों को इस मौसम में गिराया जा रहा है. जबकि हवा भी चल रही है और बारिश का भी मौसम है. अगर इमारतें गिरने के बाद बारिश हो जाती है तो यह काफी अच्‍छा होगा. इससे उड़ती धूल, प्रदूषण के बड़े... सीएसई क्‍लीन एयर कैंपेन के प्रोग्राम मैनेजर अविकल सोमवंशी कहते हैं कि यह एक अच्‍छी बात है कि इन इमारतों को इस मौसम में गिराया जा रहा है. जबकि हवा भी चल रही है और बारिश का भी मौसम है. अगर इमारतें गिरने के बाद बारिश हो जाती है तो यह काफी अच्‍छा होगा. इससे उड़ती धूल, प्रदूषण के बड़े और छोटे कण बैठ जाएंगे. हवा में कम घुटन और प्रदूषण होगा और यह आसपास रहने वाले लोगों के लिए बेहतर होगा.

Urban Lab

ट्विन टॉवर गिरते ही दिल्‍ली-NCR बढ़ेगा प्रदूषण, नोएडा में लंबा रह सकता है असर, CSE विशेषज्ञ बोले

नोएडा में बनी सुपरटेक ट्विन टावरों को गिराए जाने का दिन नजदीक आ गया है. इसके लिए इमारतों में विस्‍फोटक लगाने की प्रक्रिया भी पूरी कर ली गई है. 28 अगस्‍त को इन दोनों टावरों को ध्‍वस्‍त कर दिया जाएगा. भारी मात्रा में पैदा होने वाली धूल और मिट्टी के प्रदूषण से बचने और इमारत गिरने के दौरान सुरक्षित रहने के लिए आसपास की इमारतों में रहने वाले लोगों को भी एक दिन के लिए वहां से हटाया जाएगा. हालांकि पर्यावरण विशेषज्ञों की मानें तो मसला सिर्फ एक दिन की धूल-मिट्टी का नहीं है बल्कि इमारतों के गिरने से पैदा हुआ वायु प्रदूषण कई दिनों तक परेशान करेगा. इतना ही नहीं इस ध्‍वस्‍तीकरण से न केवल ट्विन टावर के इलाके में रह रहे लोगों को पर्यावरण प्रदूषण संबंधी दिक्‍कतें झेलनी पड़ेंगी, बल्कि पूरे दिल्‍ली एनसीआर में प्रदूषण का स्‍तर बढ़ने का अनुमान है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट के क्‍लीन एयर कैंपेन प्रोग्राम मैनेजर अविकल सोमवंशी कहते हैं कि ट्विन टावर को गिराने का काम वैसे तो पूरे नियम-कानूनों के अनुसार हो रहा है. ध्‍वस्‍तीकरण के दौरान होने वाली धूल के लिए वहां ऑटोमैटिक वाटर स्प्रिंकलर के साथ वाटर टेंडर मौजूद रहेंगे. इसके अलावा लोगों की सुरक्षा से लेकर बचाव के लिए हर चीज का ध्‍यान रखा जा रहा है लेकिन भारत में पहली बार इतनी बड़ी इमारतें विस्‍फोटकों से गिराई जा रही हैं, इसका असर दिल्‍ली-एनसीआर की हवा में दिखाई देगा. जब भी कोई छोटा मकान बनता है या छोटी इमारत ढहाई जाती है तो हफ्तों तक उस इलाके में धूल और मिट्टी फैल जाती है जबकि ये तो 100 मीटर से भी ज्‍यादा ऊंची और काफी बड़ी दो इमारतें हैं. अविकल कहते हैं कि यह एक अच्‍छी बात है कि इन इमारतों को इस मौसम में गिराया जा रहा है. जबकि हवा भी चल रही है और बारिश का भी मौसम है. अगर इमारतें गिरने के बाद बारिश हो जाती है तो यह काफी अच्‍छा होगा. इससे उड़ती धूल, प्रदूषण के बड़े और छोटे कण बैठ जाएंगे. हवा में कम घुटन और प्रदूषण होगा और यह आसपास रहने वाले लोगों के लिए बेहतर होगा लेकिन अगर बारिश नहीं होती और तेज हवा चलती है तो ये मिट्टी के कण उड़कर दूर तक जाएंगे. यह निश्चित ही ट्विन टावर के आस-पास रह रहे लोगों को भी परेशान करने के अलावा दूर-दराज तक हवा में मौजूद रहेंगे और प्रदूषण को बढ़ाएंगे. इससे पूरा अनुमान है कि दिल्‍ली-एनसीआर के प्रदूषण स्‍तर में इजाफा होगा और खासतौर पर नोएडा की वायु गुणवत्‍ता पर असर देखा जा सकेगा. अविकल कहते हैं कि छोटी इमारतों में प्रदूषण को रोकने के लिए कई चीजें की जाती हैं. धूल पर पानी डालने के अलावा उस एरिया को हरे कवर से ढका जाता है लेकिन यह ज्‍यादा बड़ी बिल्डिंग हैं, उसके लिए इतनी ज्‍यादा सुरक्षा करना काफी मुश्किल है और फिर ऊपर से वह विस्‍फोट के माध्‍यम से गिराई जा रही है. लिहाजा इमारतों में विस्‍फोट के बाद जब तक पूरा मलबा उस जगह से साफ नहीं हो जाएगा. तब तक जैसे-जैसे हवा चलेगी, परेशानी होगी. वे कहते हैं कि केरल के कोच्चि और मराडु में चार टावर गिराई गई थीं. उस जगह से मलबा हटाने में दो महीने से भी ज्‍यादा का समय लगा था. इससे वहां की वायु में प्रदूषण पांच गुना तक बढ़ा हुआ देखा गया था. वायु गुणवत्‍ता में आई इस खराबी का खामियाजा वहां के लोगों को स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य संबंधी परेशानियों के रूप में झेलना पड़ा था. नोएडा की ट्विन टावरों से भी काफी ज्‍यादा मलबा निकलेगा, जो एक से दो महीनों में जाकर पूरी तरह साफ होगा, ऐसे में वहां आसपास रहने वाले लोगों के लिए भी यह एक चुनौती से कम नहीं है. हालांकि काफी हद तक चीजें मौसम और हवा की गति पर निर्भर करेंगी.

Urban Lab

ट्विन टॉवर गिरते ही दिल्‍ली-NCR में बढ़ेगा प्रदूषण, नोएडा में लंबा रह सकता है असर, CSE विशेषज्ञ बोले

Urban Lab

North India most-polluted region in 2022 summers: CSE

Urban Lab

North India most-polluted region in 2022 summers: CSE

North India emerged as the most-polluted region in the country in summers this year with Delhi-NCR being the hotspot, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The green think-tank said the average PM2.5 concentration in north India in summers stood at 71 microgram per cubic metre. It was 69 microgram per cubic metre in east India, 54 microgram per cubic metre in west India, and 46 microgram per cubic metre in central India, it said. Northeast India (35 microgram per cubic metre) and South India (31 microgram per cubic metre) were cleaner compared to other regions, it said. In north India, Delhi-NCR was found to be the most-polluted sub-region, with Bhiwadi reporting the highest average PM2.5 concentration of 134 microgram per cubic metre. Manesar reported average PM2.5 concentration of 119 microgram per cubic metre, Ghaziabad (101 microgram per cubic metre), Delhi (97 microgram per cubic metre), Gurugram (94 microgram per cubic metre) and Noida (80 microgram per cubic metre), it said. PM2.5 summer average of Delhi-NCR region is almost three times the average of the cities in southern India. The CSE used granular real-time data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s portal — Central Control Room for Air Quality Management for the analysis. The data is captured from 356 official stations under the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS) spread across 174 cities in 26 states and Union territories.

Urban Lab

Pollution will increase in Delhi-NCR as the twin tower falls, the effect may remain in Noida, CSE experts say

The day of demolition of supertech twin towers made in Noida has come to a close. For this, the process of explosion in buildings has also been completed. Both these towers will be destroyed on 28 August. People living in nearby buildings will also be removed from there for a day to avoid huge amounts of dust and soil pollution and stay safe during building fall. However, according to environmental experts, the issue is not only for one day dust and soil, but the air pollution produced by the fall of buildings will bother for several days. Not only this, this discomfort will not only have to face environmental pollution problems to people living in the area of twin tower, but the level of pollution is expected to increase in the entire Panchayat NCR. Center for Science and Environment Clean Air Campaign Program Manager Avikal Somvanshi says that the work of demolishing the twin tower is being done according to the whole rules and regulations. Water tenders will be present with automatic water sprinkler for dust occurring during the disciplination. Apart from this, everything is being taken care of from safety to rescue of people, but for the first time in India, such large buildings are being demolished by explosions, its effect will be seen in Delhi-NCR air. Whenever a small house is built or a small building is demolished, dust and soil spread in that area for weeks, whereas these are more than 100 meters high and much larger buildings. Avikal says It is a good thing that these buildings are being dropped in this season. While the wind is also moving and the rain is also the season. If it rains after the buildings fall, it will be very good. This will make big and small particles of flying dust, pollution. There will be less suffocation and pollution in the air and it will be better for the people living around but if there is no rain and strong wind blows, then these soil particles will fly away. This will definitely be present in the air and will increase pollution besides harassing the people living around the twin tower. From this, it is estimated that the pollution level of Delhi-NCR will increase and especially the impact on Noida's air quality can be seen. Avikal says that many things are done to prevent pollution in small buildings. Huh. Apart from pouring water on the dust, that area is covered with green cover but it is more big building, it is very difficult to protect it so much and then it is being dropped through the explosion from above. So after the explosion in buildings, the whole debris will not be cleaned from that place. Till then, as the wind blows, there will be trouble. They say that four towers were dropped in Kochi and Maradu in Kerala. It took more than two months to remove debris from that place. Due to this, pollution in the air there was seen to be increased by five times. The brunt of this malfunction in the air quality had to bear the people there as health problems. There will be a lot of debris from the twin towers of Noida, which will be completely clean in one to two months, so it is no less than a challenge for the people living there. However, to a large extent, things will depend on weather and wind speed.