People of Hyderabad can breath easy after a survey found that the city is the least polluted compared to other cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru etc. The survey finds that Hyderabadis can breath fresh air for three days per year. But experts warn that pollution levels in Hyderabad is increasing at alarming levels.
Surprisingly highest pollution levels are recorded in early morning hours when people go for run or a walk. Rajesh Vetcha, founder of Hyderabad Runners says “Though Hyderabad is better in terms of pollution levels compared to Delhi and Mumbai, it is alarming that the pollution levels in the city are on the rise, especially in the last one decade. We runners are also facing problems in the morning,“
N.Ravinder senior environmental engineer of The Telangana State Pollution Control Board says “The board monitors 12 parameters of pollution levels. While the Air Quality Index should be 60, the levels are touching about 140-150 at some locations like Punjagutta, Paradise, Kukatpally and Charminar. Among the pollutants, carbon monoxide is exceeding the limit of 4 mg m3 at some places due to burning of garbage in the mornings and vehicular pollution. Fortunately , the sulphur dioxide levels are under control due to ultra low sulphur fuel used in vehicles,“
Another official adds “Good air quality is usually experienced between
July and October after good rains and on public holidays ike Dasara
when traffic on he city roads falls significantly ,“
