Hyderabad: As winter tightens its grip, residents are witnessing alarming spikes in pollution levels in city. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), areas such as Sanath Nagar, Gachibowli and Kompally are the worst affected, with AQI readings and particulate matter concentrations breaching safety limits across neighbourhoods.The WHO has set permissible limits of 5 and 15 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. However, the pollution control board reports that Sanath Nagar’s AQI is 120, with PM2.5 levels reaching 170, indicating sustained poor air quality. Zoo Park in the Old City reported an AQI of 157, with PM2.5 levels reaching 188 and PM10 levels reaching 158. Carbon monoxide levels also reached 103.Kompally, which previously recorded unhealthy AQI levels, now has an AQI of 86, with PM2.5 at 66 and PM10 at 91 — still well above the ideal limit. Somajiguda registered an AQI of 152, with PM2.5 at 181 and PM10 at 152. Kokapet remains a danger zone with an AQI of 117, PM2.5 levels of 156 and PM10 levels of 140.Patancheru, one of the city’s industrial belts, reported an AQI of 157, with PM2.5 levels reaching 187 and PM10 levels reaching 157. Earlier in the week, the area also witnessed ozone levels of 206, which is over three times the WHO-recommended limit of 60 during peak winter conditions. In Gachibowli and Patancheru, meanwhile, carbon monoxide concentrations reached 120, nearly 30 times higher than WHO limits.These pollution levels have remained relatively consistent over the past two weeks, causing concern for both citizens and environmentalists.Environmentalists have pointed out that winter conditions, which are often characterised by lower temperatures and increased fog, tend to worsen air pollution. The phenomenon is attributed to the trapping of pollutants close to the ground due to temperature inversions and reduced dispersion. Meanwhile, residents have been sharing how they have been persistently struggling with health issues. “When I wake up in the morning, I feel a burning sensation in my throat and have difficulty breathing. I already have asthma. The doctor said this is being exacerbated by poor air quality,” said Gulshan, a 65-year-old resident of Sanath Nagar.Environmentalist Narsimha Reddy Donthi explained that these pollutants are released by vehicles, industries and construction sites. “The authorities should take strict action. We must start implementing measures such as carpooling, as vehicular pollution results in elevated concentrations of particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10,” he added. He emphasised the need for additional monitoring stations and stressed the importance of heightened environmental awareness and proactive citizen involvement.The pollution control board said that there were previously only 5 or 6 monitoring stations, but the department has now installed a total of 14. “Tackling air pollution is a larger issue that must be fought collectively by all departments,” a PCB official added.
