Despite the heavy monsoon rains sweeping across Hyderabad, the city’s air quality remains alarmingly poor, defying expectations that rainfall would cleanse the atmosphere. Over recent days, Hyderabad’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained consistently high, with levels hovering above 100 and peaking at 122—figures more typically seen during winter months.
A recent study based on Central Pollution Control Board data, tracking the period from September 1 to September 3, revealed that the pollutants driving this unexpected spike are carbon monoxide (CO), PM 2.5, and PM 10 particles. These pollutants are known to pose significant health risks, and their elevated levels in Hyderabad have become a source of concern for residents and experts alike. For instance, on September 1, the CO levels in Kompally surged to 95 parts per million (ppm), nearly four times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended threshold of 25 ppm. Other areas such as New Malakpet, Somajiguda, and Zoo Park recorded similarly concerning levels, with CO levels averaging around 80 ppm.
The situation is equally alarming when it comes to particulate matter. In areas such as Old City and Sanath Nagar, PM 2.5 levels soared to a dangerous 500 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3), far exceeding the WHO’s guideline of 15 μg/m3. PM 10 levels also crossed acceptable limits, with areas like Kokapet and Gachibowli recording over 100 μg/m3, more than double the WHO’s recommended 45 μg/m3. Environmental experts attribute this paradoxical situation to the complex relationship between air pollution and weather patterns. A researcher from IIT Delhi explained that dense urban areas trap pollutants due to limited dispersal. “For pollutants to disperse, we need clear skies and breezes. However, continuous rainfall creates overcast conditions, trapping pollutants in the atmosphere and raising AQI levels. Brief, intense showers would have helped clear the skies,” he remarked.
Compounding the issue, temperatures in Hyderabad have remained relatively high, hovering between 23°C and 27°C, instead of the expected seasonal drop. This muggy climate has further contributed to the accumulation of pollutants in the city’s air. Subba Rao, a local environmentalist, noted that climate change and erratic weather patterns are playing a role in this unusual scenario, making it harder for pollutants to dissipate. Moreover, traffic congestion during the rain has exacerbated the pollution levels. Experts from IIIT Hyderabad have pointed out that the increase in vehicular emissions during rainy conditions has intensified the situation, making Hyderabad’s air quality one of the worst among Indian cities, even during the typically cleaner monsoon season.
