365telugu.com online news,8th,December,2024:A recent Greenpeace India report, “Beyond North India: NO₂ Pollution and Health Risks in Seven Major Indian Cities,” highlights the alarming nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution levels in Hyderabad. The report identifies the Central University of Hyderabad area as recording the city’s highest annual NO₂ concentration, exceeding both World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
NO₂ Pollution: Sources and Standards
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), an almost invisible toxic gas, is primarily emitted from traffic and the burning of fossil fuels. The WHO recommends an annual average NO₂ concentration of no more than 10 µg/m³, while India’s less stringent NAAQS allows up to 40 µg/m³. However, in 2023, nine out of Hyderabad’s 14 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations exceeded the WHO standard, with the Central University of Hyderabad station surpassing even the NAAQS limit.
Health Impacts of NO₂ Exposure
Scientific evidence strongly links NO₂ exposure to several health risks, including:
- Increased risk of asthma and airway inflammation.
- Impaired lung development in children.
- Worsened allergies and pre-existing respiratory conditions.
- Higher susceptibility to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and mortality.
A 2019 study estimated that NO₂ pollution in Hyderabad was responsible for 2,430 cases of pediatric asthma in 2015 alone, underscoring the severe health implications of prolonged exposure.
Transportation: A Major Contributor
The transportation sector is a leading source of NO₂ emissions, accounting for 24% of emissions in the EDGAR inventory. The rising number of private vehicles exacerbates air pollution, making the case for a shift toward sustainable and efficient public transport solutions.
Recommendations for Action
To combat the NO₂ pollution crisis, Greenpeace India proposes the following measures:
- Update Air Quality Standards: India’s NAAQS, unchanged for 15 years, needs alignment with global health standards.
- Enhance Public Transport: Initiatives such as fare-free travel for women and affordable “Clean Air Concessions” for mass transit can reduce vehicular emissions.
- Invest in Air Quality Monitoring: Expand hybrid monitoring networks integrating low-cost sensors, existing systems, and satellite data for accurate tracking.
- Strengthen Healthcare Services: Focus on diagnosing and managing air pollution-related conditions through robust primary healthcare infrastructure.
- Public Education and Alerts: Create comprehensive health advisories and timely alerts during high pollution periods, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
Key Highlights
- Air Quality Standards Breached: Nine of Hyderabad’s 14 air quality monitoring stations exceeded WHO NO₂ guidelines in 2023.
- Central University of Hyderabad: Recorded the highest NO₂ concentration, breaching even the NAAQS standard.
- Health Impact: NO₂ pollution in 2015 was linked to an estimated 2,430 cases of pediatric asthma in Hyderabad.
- Transportation’s Role: Road transport contributes significantly to NO₂ emissions, demanding urgent action to curb vehicle dependence.
A Call for Cleaner Mobility
Air pollution, especially NO₂, is not just a Delhi or North India issue—it affects all major cities, including Hyderabad. Addressing this crisis requires bold, innovative strategies. Investing in sustainable, accessible public transportation and updating outdated air quality standards are critical steps toward a healthier, more equitable future.