The dense smog cover in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai is already signaling danger, but now Hyderabad, too, is under severe pollution grip. For the first time this year, the city's air has been categorized as very poor, crossing the AQI level of 200, with dense fog hanging over various areas. Scientists have warned that consistently breathing air with such high PM2.5 content can be as damaging as smoking 8-10 cigarettes a day.
According to the meteorological department, AQI at many stations in the city surpassed 200. At Hyderabad Central University, it doubled to 209 within four days. The AQI at IITH Kandi jumped from 107 to 195, while in Sanathnagar, it escalated from 110 to 206. At the Zoo Park and IDA Pashamylaram, the AQI registered at 204, while Patancheru remains high-risk at 206.
Main Causes of Pollution
The surge in Hyderabad's pollution levels can be attributed to vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial discharge, and crop residue burning in its outskirts. Additionally, seasonal weather patterns have trapped pollutants close to the surface, intensifying their effects.
Read More: New AQI data reveals the rising dangers of air pollution in Delhi-NCR
Hyderabad, once considered a city with 'moderate' pollution levels, is now rapidly becoming more polluted. The meteorological department has issued a warning that if precautions aren't taken, Hyderabad might soon face a situation akin to Delhi, as an AQI above 200 is deemed very poor. Continuous exposure to PM2.5 at this level equates to the harm of smoking 8-10 cigarettes a day.
