Ahmedabad residents are facing a growing health threat due to escalating levels of particulate matter (PM10) pollution, primarily driven by dust. Data compiled by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
from various monitoring stations across the city paints a worrying picture, revealing substantial fluctuations in PM10 concentrations between 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. These fluctuations have been particularly pronounced in different areas of the city, with some locales consistently experiencing significantly higher pollution levels compared to others. Among the most severely affected areas is Pirana, an industrial zone, which recorded the highest PM10 readings throughout the year, averaging at 119 micrograms per cubic metre annually. This figure starkly exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre. Additionally, residential areas like Chandkheda reported concerning levels, with an annual average PM10 concentration of 87 micrograms per cubic metre, further exacerbating health concerns among residents. The National Ambient Air Quality standards prescribe a maximum permissible limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre for the annual mean concentration of PM10. PM10 pollution refers to airborne particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, comparable to the diameter of a human hair, which is about 70 micrometres. These minute particles pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs upon inhalation, leading to various respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
Between 2021 and December 2023, the AMC received a staggering 41,878 complaints from citizens regarding dust pollution originating from construction sites, roadworks, and dry waste accumulation in public spaces. The accumulation of dust particles in the air has been exacerbated by seasonal factors, with PM10 levels typically spiking during the October to November period. During this time, all monitoring stations recorded readings surpassing the safe limit, a trend attributed to factors such as factory emissions and agricultural burning in the outskirts of Ahmedabad. However, amidst these concerning trends, certain areas such as Bopal and locations near Isro-SAC have demonstrated relatively lower PM10 levels. The disparities in pollution levels underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate dust pollution and safeguard public health in Ahmedabad.
