Bhopal's air turns toxic despite lower AQI this year

The Bhopal’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is lower this year than last, but the air is becoming hazardous due to factors like tandoor, bonfire, and garbage burning in the evenings. Arera Colony and Shahpura have higher nitrogen oxide levels, while TT Nagar has elevated ground-level ozone levels due to heavy traffic.

Data from the Pollution Control Board reveals nitrogen oxide in Arera Colony has reached 74.34 micrograms per cubic meter, 85.85% higher than normal, while ground-level ozone in TT Nagar is at 152.86 micrograms per cubic meter, 52.86% above normal. This raises concerns about the city’s worsening air quality.

Pollution Control Board officials attribute the increase in pollution to six major factors: burning tandoors, bonfires, and garbage, stubble burning, biofuel combustion, and emissions from vehicles not meeting BS4 standards.

These activities are significantly increasing PM 2.5 levels in the air, which is hazardous for human health. Experts explain PM 2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues and severe health problems.

Health experts are concerned about rising nitrogen oxide and ozone levels. Dr. Vikas Mishra, an Associate Professor in the Respiratory Department at GMC Bhopal, says increased nitrogen oxide levels can cause serious respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Ozone irritates the respiratory system, causing sore throat, chest tightness, and worsening asthma and bronchitis. Long-term exposure can accelerate lung aging, making them more disease-prone.

To address pollution, experts suggest several measures. One main solution is to promote electric vehicles and increase public transport use, reducing vehicle emissions.

Industries should install gas filters and monitoring systems to control harmful emissions. Public awareness campaigns are necessary to educate people about the dangers of burning garbage and bonfires, which significantly contribute to pollution. Expanding green areas and increasing urban plantations is another important step toward improving the city’s air quality.

Winter months exacerbate pollution as cold air and increased density trap pollutants, leading to smog formation. This smog mixes with dangerous gases and fog, creating a dangerous mixture that can worsen air quality.

Brijesh Sharma, the Regional Director of the Pollution Control Board, explains, “In winters, low temperatures and high air density worsen pollution by creating a smog-like mixture of dangerous gases and fog.” This makes the air more toxic and hazardous to health, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

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