Air quality in Chandrapur

What is the level of air pollution in Chandrapur now?

Chandrapur (earlier known as Chanda) is a city and a municipal corporation in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra state, India. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Irai River and Zarpat River and sits on vast coal reserves which helped it gain the title of “black gold city”.

A census which was conducted in 2011 estimated the population to be approximately 320,000 people, but this figure is possibly larger now.

Towards the middle of 2021, Chandrapur was experiencing a period of “Moderate” quality air with a US AQI figure of 83. This United States Air Quality Index figure is an internationally used set of metrics that is used to determine the level of air pollution at any given time. It can be used to compare several cities, even when they are in different countries. The number is calculated by measuring up to six of the commonly found pollutants in the air. However, sometimes they are not always available and the figure has to be calculated using what records there are. Chandrapur had records for five of the most prevalent pollutants which were as follows: PM2.5 - 27.3 µg/m³, PM10 - 73.5 µg/m³, ozone (O₃) - 4 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) - 30.4 µg/m³ and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) - 3.6 µg/m³.

With levels of pollution such as these, the advice would be to remain indoors and close all doors and windows to prevent the ingress of more polluted air. Those people of a sensitive disposition should avoid venturing outside until the air quality improves. The table at the top of this page will assist with that decision.

Does the quality of air in Chandrapur differ throughout the year?

Air pollution is affected by many variables and can change within a few hours. The changing seasons, temperatures and hours of sunlight all play a part in the quality of our air.

Looking back at the figures published by the Swiss air monitoring company, IQAir.com, it can clearly be seen that the best air quality can be enjoyed for 8 months of the year. These are from February until the end of October with May being an exception. In these months the air quality was classified as being “Moderate” with figures between 12.1 and 35.4 µg/m³. The months of January, May and November returned figures between 35.5 and 55.4 µg/m³ which is classed as being “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”. The remaining month of December saw the air quality deteriorate into the “Unhealthy” bracket with a reading of 61.7 µg/m³.

Records for the annual average were first kept in 2017 when the recorded figure was 44.8 µg/m³. A slight improvement was noted the following year with 41.4 µg/m³. In 2019 there was a marked improvement when the figure was 35.1 µg/m³ which preceded a fall for 2020 when that figure was 32.2 µg/m³.

This last figure could be artificially lower than usual because of the restrictions brought into force due to the COVID-19 pandemic when the use of private vehicles was mainly prohibited and many manufacturing plants were told to cease production until further notice.

Where does all this polluted air in Chandrapur come from?

Even though the level of pollution in the state had come down during the lockdown, the pollution has started increasing once movement was permitted again. Pollution from coal mines and power stations in Chandrapur had led to an increase in pollution in Chandrapur. Pollution in Maharashtra, including Chandrapur, was reduced by 30 to 55 per cent due to the closure of industries during the Corona period. There are coal mines in all four corners of Chandrapur district, most power for the state is produced here, cement, cast iron factories, paper mills as well as many other industries thrive here.

Chandrapur has been found to have higher levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Ozone levels have also been reported to be above the limit. The main sources of air pollution in Chandrapur and Ghugus are industry, coal burning, various gas burning, transportation, vehicles, waste, waste burning, construction, road dust and domestic pollution.

Fuels such as coal, dung-cake, wood and kerosene are used in many homes in under-developed and developing countries, including India. Complete combustion of fuel produces carbon dioxide, which may not be toxic. However, incomplete combustion produces toxic gas carbon monoxide. Coal contains varying amounts of sulphur, which upon burning produces sulphur dioxide.

Can anything be done to lower pollution levels in Chandrapur?

Two of the most polluting thermal power stations have been closed down in an effort to bring down the level of air pollution.

According to environmental protection law, pollution control law and government directives, industries can apply for pollution control technology that is retrofitted to reduce emissions. They can also reduce the use of road vehicles or use electric, gas or solar-powered vehicles.

The use of electric vehicles should also be increased. The use of Zig-Zag technology in the design of brick kilns in different states will reduce the resulting pollution and public participation is essential for clean air. The sharing use of cars and the increased use of public transport should be encouraged.

India has now adopted the standard level of carbon emissions of BS-VI and is getting good quality petrol and diesel. This is an important step in terms of pollution control. In the last few years, the government has been building roads and highways at a tremendous pace, which is also reducing air pollution due to the increased rate at which vehicles can travel on them.

How does this poor air quality in Chandrapur affect human health?

Ozone air pollution is the highest in the district. Respiratory diseases are on the increase in coal mines and various types of both small and large industries. This leads to an increase in asthma, bronchitis, and an increased number of patients with heart problems. Carbon monoxide gas emits hydrocarbon combustion from vehicles and coal and causes fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, oxygen deficiency and possible mental problems.

Air pollution is caused by harmful chemical (natural and man-made), biological (bioaerosols) and some particulate matter, which harms humans and other organisms, as well as the natural environment of the atmosphere.

While some sources of air pollution are natural such as volcanic eruptions, wildfires, fires, but most are man-made. Consumption of combustible fossil fuels has increased significantly with modernization, apart from man-made sources of air pollution such as deforestation, animal husbandry and agriculture.