Hyderabad, 04 January (HS): Hyderabad is witnessing a sharp decline in air quality, with Air Quality Index readings touching nearly 300 in several localities, raising concerns as the city appears to be competing with Delhi in terms of pollution levels.

Data from third-party applications and devices, including widely used digital platforms, showed AQI levels rising up to 300 in some areas. However, official data released by the Central Pollution Control Board recorded significantly lower figures, with a maximum AQI of around 170 on the same day, highlighting a wide discrepancy.

Officials said the CPCB monitors air quality through devices installed at 14 locations across the city, recording both maximum and minimum values before calculating an average. Experts, however, expressed concern over the gap between official readings and third-party data, with some questioning the accuracy and standards of monitoring equipment used.

Environmental scientists explained that differences arise due to varying calculation methods, with national standards used by pollution control authorities and international standards followed by some third-party applications. Others warned that Hyderabad’s air quality is deteriorating rapidly due to rising vehicular emissions, construction activity, industrial pollution and waste management issues.

Health experts cautioned that prolonged exposure to high pollution levels can lead to serious respiratory and other health problems, stressing the need for more accurate monitoring and effective measures to control air pollution in the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar