Chandrapur: The city showed marginal improvement in air quality during 2024, with 73 out of 366 days classified as ‘Good’ as per the Air Quality Index (AQI), compared to just 32 days in 2023.
According to data compiled by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Air Monitoring Centre, AQI was ‘Satisfactory’ on 140 days, ‘Moderate’ on 137 days, and ‘Poor’ on 16 days. The city did not report any days under the more alarming ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories, marking a slight decline in pollution levels compared to the previous year.
Environment researcher Prof Suresh Chopne, president of the Green Planet Society, credited the slight improvement in air quality to unseasonal rainfall and weather changes, rather than systematic policy measures. “The absence of ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ air quality days is a relief, but the increase in particulate matter and ground-level ozone pollution raises serious health concerns,” he noted.
The winter months from October to January continued to be the most polluted, with 113 out of 123 days recording poor air quality. January and November were particularly alarming, with all days marked as polluted. The summer months from February to May also fared poorly, with 114 out of 121 days showing AQI levels above ‘Good’. During the monsoon (June to September), traditionally a time of cleaner air, pollution persisted on 76 out of 122 days, driven by ozone pollution, which was recorded on 54 days.
Comparing 2023 to 2024, the number of polluted days dropped from 333 to 293, reflecting a modest but crucial improvement. However, as Prof Chopne pointed out, “The reduction in pollution is more likely linked to climatic conditions than implementation of concrete measures under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). There is a long way to go before Chandrapur achieves sustainable air quality.”
The data also revealed that the Khutala industrial area consistently recorded higher pollution levels than the city’s main air monitoring centre near the bus stand. Additionally, regions like Ghuggus showed even more severe pollution levels, reflecting the pressing need for targeted intervention.
Despite the slight improvement in air quality, Chandrapur’s urban areas and industrial belts remain heavily polluted, with the primary contributors being vehicular emission, industrial activity, coal combustion, and waste burning. The rising cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, coupled with the lack of a comprehensive health survey since 2006, add to the urgency for action.
Prof Chopne urged local representatives and authorities to prioritise public health by implementing stricter pollution control measures and conducting a health survey. He also called for providing free medical treatment to those suffering from pollution-induced ailments, a demand approved in a recent meeting of the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation.
Chandrapur is part of the National Clean Air Programme, which provides funding and support for air quality improvement. However, experts emphasise that more focused and effective measures are urgently needed to address the city’s air pollution crisis.
Infographics
Key Pollutants Identified in 2024
PM2.5 : Detected on 160 days, poses a severe health hazard
PM10 : Recorded on 144 days
Ground-Level Ozone : Significant pollution on 54 days during the monsoon
Carbon Monoxide : Found on two days
According to data compiled by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Air Monitoring Centre, AQI was ‘Satisfactory’ on 140 days, ‘Moderate’ on 137 days, and ‘Poor’ on 16 days. The city did not report any days under the more alarming ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ categories, marking a slight decline in pollution levels compared to the previous year.
Environment researcher Prof Suresh Chopne, president of the Green Planet Society, credited the slight improvement in air quality to unseasonal rainfall and weather changes, rather than systematic policy measures. “The absence of ‘Very Poor’ or ‘Severe’ air quality days is a relief, but the increase in particulate matter and ground-level ozone pollution raises serious health concerns,” he noted.
The winter months from October to January continued to be the most polluted, with 113 out of 123 days recording poor air quality. January and November were particularly alarming, with all days marked as polluted. The summer months from February to May also fared poorly, with 114 out of 121 days showing AQI levels above ‘Good’. During the monsoon (June to September), traditionally a time of cleaner air, pollution persisted on 76 out of 122 days, driven by ozone pollution, which was recorded on 54 days.
Comparing 2023 to 2024, the number of polluted days dropped from 333 to 293, reflecting a modest but crucial improvement. However, as Prof Chopne pointed out, “The reduction in pollution is more likely linked to climatic conditions than implementation of concrete measures under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). There is a long way to go before Chandrapur achieves sustainable air quality.”
The data also revealed that the Khutala industrial area consistently recorded higher pollution levels than the city’s main air monitoring centre near the bus stand. Additionally, regions like Ghuggus showed even more severe pollution levels, reflecting the pressing need for targeted intervention.
Despite the slight improvement in air quality, Chandrapur’s urban areas and industrial belts remain heavily polluted, with the primary contributors being vehicular emission, industrial activity, coal combustion, and waste burning. The rising cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, coupled with the lack of a comprehensive health survey since 2006, add to the urgency for action.
Prof Chopne urged local representatives and authorities to prioritise public health by implementing stricter pollution control measures and conducting a health survey. He also called for providing free medical treatment to those suffering from pollution-induced ailments, a demand approved in a recent meeting of the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation.
Chandrapur is part of the National Clean Air Programme, which provides funding and support for air quality improvement. However, experts emphasise that more focused and effective measures are urgently needed to address the city’s air pollution crisis.
Infographics
Key Pollutants Identified in 2024
PM2.5 : Detected on 160 days, poses a severe health hazard
PM10 : Recorded on 144 days
Ground-Level Ozone : Significant pollution on 54 days during the monsoon
Carbon Monoxide : Found on two days
