Hyderabad air quality map

Does the air quality map for Hyderabad show what the current level of air pollution is?

The air quality map for Hyderabad is interactive and uses different coloured discs to indicate the air quality and other information. The colours range from pale green which indicates good quality air to dark maroon which is used to show hazardous air quality. Even the overall background colour is shaded to indicate air quality. In very polluted cities, the map takes on a reddish hue which indicates poor air.

Once selected, further information is revealed in a drop-down box about the air quality of the chosen station. Primarily, the US AQI number is shown in the centre of the disc. This United States Air Quality Index number is an internationally used set of metrics endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is used in comparison of the air quality in cities across the world. It is calculated by measuring the levels of six most commonly found pollutants which are nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and PM2.5 and PM10.

What other information can be seen on the air pollution map for Hyderabad?

When the air pollution map for Hyderabad is first opened, the user will see some coloured discs, often overlapping each other. As the map is expanded, the discs begin to separate and reveal more information. Each circle represents a monitoring station so it depends on how many stations are within the confines of the city as to how many will appear on the map.

The darker coloured discs are often seen towards the edge of the city and belong to the industrialised areas which were created to try to keep the city centre air cleaner. This is not always the case though as some factories remain on their original site where the residential area has expanded around them. Some of these older units are often given subsidies to encourage them to move to the industrial zones outside the city centre which also means that their staff no longer need to travel to the city centre so that reduces traffic too.

Does the air pollution map for Hyderabad indicate where the worst air quality is?

The air pollution map for Hyderabad does not directly show the source of the pollution, it merely indicates the air quality at the various monitoring stations. It can sometimes be difficult to identify the actual source of the pollutants. The number displayed within each disc is an indication as to how clean the air is. The higher the number, the greater amount of pollution there.

A preliminary assessment is that the increasing number of vehicles, dirt roads, open waste incineration, obsolete vehicles etc. are the reasons for the increase in pollution. Authorities are fully evaluating the reasons for the increase in pollution in some districts and the decrease in Hyderabad. Dried animal dung is a very common form of fuel used in domestic stoves. It is widely available and cheap but when burned, it produces many pollutants in what is often a confined area, such as a kitchen or small room. These types of stoves are very popular and it will be extremely difficult to persuade people to stop using them and convert to natural gas or electricity.

What is the real situation on the air pollution map in Hyderabad?

The air quality map for Hyderabad has to be studied in conjunction with the information given on the main city page.

Officials say air pollution is on the rise, with a 0-50 point on the air quality index indicating good weather. Experts warn that an increase of 50 to 100 points could affect those who are healthier, while those between 101 and 200 points could lead to asthma, heart disease and 201 points of respiratory illness. The mucus in the airways is severely affected due to pollution. Inflammation in them can increase the risk of coughs and colds in the general population.

Doctors estimate that the problems of patients with asthma, COPD and chronic pulmonary lung disease have increased compared to normal days due to the increase in air pollutants. Meanwhile, due to the lack of strong air during the winter season, air pollution is increasing the risk of respiratory viral, bacterial and fungal infections. These diseases are easily transmitted to people with weakened immune systems brought about because of COVID-19.

Is any other information available on the air quality map for Hyderabad?

By studying the individual pages for the city of Hyderabad, decisions can be made as to where to travel to within the city and even what time of day would be more suitable. Air pollution levels can change very quickly so for those people who are sensitive to air pollutants, it is advisable to check when the cleanest time of the day is.

This is also true for people who want to exercise outside by playing tennis or golf or going jogging. The interactive air quality map for Hyderabad can show the user the level of air pollution at or near their intended destination. This way a choice can be made as to whether or not to venture out.

What is the PM2.5 measurement so often seen on the air pollution map of Hyderabad?

PM2.5 indicates the PM particle and 2.5 or 10 tells about the size of the particle. PM2.5 is one of the smallest air particles and is around 2.5 micrometres in size. Being a very fine particle, these PM2.5 particles easily go inside the body and start affecting our organs, such as the liver, lungs etc.

PM10 particles are also called Respirable Particulate Matter. They are up to the size of dust particles. Such particles come out in large quantities during factory emissions, roads or other construction works. Due to the microscopic size of PM2.5 particles, they easily go in through our breath and start affecting our organs. Due to PM2.5 particles, there is a risk of problems ranging from cough, cold etc. to asthma and heart-related diseases. PM2.5 particles are also released along with carbon particles from diesel vehicles etc., which are at risk of causing cancer, according to an estimate, thousands of people die every year worldwide due to PM2.5.