Air quality across Nagpur city has plunged into the ‘poor’ category ahead of Diwali as the Particulate Matter (PM2.5) touched the 200 mark in most of the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in city in last two days. PM 2.5, or fine-particle air pollution, consists of airborne particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter, and is most often produced as a result of combustion. Breathing these particles over a long period of time can make you sick.

 

This type of pollution comes from coal and other fossil fuel burning power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, waste burning etc. According to the air quality data by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the PM2.5 level in Nagpur city on Friday was 211 which comes under the poor category whereas on November 5 (Thursday) it touched 265 mark. On Friday, the highest PM2.5 was reported at 12 midnight whereas on Thursday the highest was recorded at 2 am. Nagpur city has surrounded with thermal power plants and it works during night time. The pollution through such plants are the main reason behind the high PM2.5 level in city during night time, claimed a senior scientist from CSIR-NEERI with a condition of anonymity.

 

“Along with thermal power plants, open burning and vehicle emission are also other factors for increased PM2.5 level in city. If it is happening before starting of Diwali celebration then it is a clear indication that air pollution is dominating the atmosphere more during night hours,” said the expert. “Without sunlight, photochemical reactions change, and certain pollutants like nitrate radicals (NO3) become active oxidants that transform nitrogen oxides into secondary air pollutants after dark,” said the scientist. Nagpur city has four CAAQMS situated at Ambazari, Mahal, Civil Lines and Ram Nagar areas. According to the data, Ambazari station reported the PM2.5 at 211 at 12 am. Mahal reported 213 at 1 am, Civil Lines reported 244 at 9 am and Ram Nagar reported the Air Quality Index 183 at 12 am on Friday. Except Ram Nagar, all the three stations recorded the ‘Poor’ air quality whereas Ram Nagar was ‘moderate’.