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In a recent report by the Center for Science and Environment, winter pollution in the eastern states of India was worse this year compared to the last three winters.
The report indicated that the average level of PM2.5 from October 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023, in nine cities with monitoring stations in operation was 97 µg/m³, which is 6% more than the average of the previous three years.
The season peak was recorded on January 1, 2023, with a daily regional average of 173 µg/m³, which is 24% higher than last year's peak and 8% higher than the average of the previous three years.
However, these numbers were lower than those recorded during the winter of 2019-2020. The analysis covered 50 quasi-continuous ambient air. monitoring stations in West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar, with Jharkhand not included due to lack of functioning monitoring stations.
Bihar had the worst air quality in the region during these five months, with smaller cities like Begusarai, Bettiah and Siwan recording a seasonal average above 200 µg/m³. Nitrogen dioxide pollution was also high in the region, with Arrah in Bihar recording a monthly average of 113 µg/m³ in November.
West Bengal's Asansol was the most polluted city with a winter average of 102 µg/m³, while in Odisha, Talcher had the highest average at 75 µg/m³. Despite marginal improvements in some cities, larger cities like Patna and Kolkata still have high levels of PM2.5 pollution.
The report emphasized the rapid spread of pollution, with more cities and smaller towns dotting the pollution map.
High Nitrogen Dioxide levels in Eastern India
The high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution in the eastern states further exacerbate the air quality crisis in the region. Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas that can cause respiratory problems, particularly in people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma.
The high levels of NO2 in cities and towns of the region, as reported by the Centre for Science and Environment, are a cause for concern and require urgent action.
The lack of adequate monitoring stations in some areas, such as in Odisha, makes it difficult to assess the full extent of the problem and highlights the need for increased investment in air quality monitoring infrastructure.
The report underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle all sources of air pollution, including NO2 emissions from industries, vehicles and other sources.
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