Hyderabad Air Pollution Rises Despite Fewer Vehicles
Hyderabad’s air pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, even though the city has fewer vehicles than other major metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune. Recent data shows that Hyderabad’s pollution levels are now higher than these cities, raising serious concerns among experts and residents.
One of the main reasons for this rising pollution is the high number of ageing vehicles. Older vehicles produce more harmful gases, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, due to poor fuel combustion. In Hyderabad, nitrogen oxide levels are nearly four times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions are also nearly twice as high as in other metro cities. Another major factor is the lack of efficient public transport. Compared to cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, which have thousands of state-run buses and well-connected metro systems, Hyderabad has a much smaller fleet of buses and a limited metro network. As a result, more people rely on private vehicles, increasing congestion and pollution.
Poor traffic management has also made the situation worse. Frequent traffic jams lead to long hours of vehicle idling, which adds to air pollution. Experts also point out that fuel adulteration is another problem, as it increases emissions of harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. Environmentalists are urging the government to take immediate steps to control pollution. They suggest stricter rules for vehicle emissions, better public transport options, and improved traffic management. Without quick action, Hyderabad’s air pollution could lead to severe health issues and affect the quality of life for its residents. Addressing this crisis is important to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for the city.
