AQMC Reviews Air Quality Trends In Telangana

HYDERABAD: The annual average concentration of particulate matter (PM10) in Hyderabad declined from 86 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in 2019–20 to 80 µg/m³ in 2025–26, while Sangareddy recorded a fall from 87 to 78 µg/m³ during the same period, according to a review by the Air Quality Monitoring Committee (AQMC).

In contrast, Nalgonda’s annual average PM10 level rose to 71 µg/m³ in 2025–26 from 59 µg/m³ earlier. The AQMC noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in all three areas was predominantly in the Satisfactory to Moderate categories.

The committee reviewed air quality trends and pollution‑control measures at a meeting held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, chaired by Ahmed Nadeem, principal secretary, Forest, Environment, Science and Technology Department and AQMC chairman. Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) member secretary Ravi, who is also the member convenor, and officials from various departments attended.

The review covered implementation of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)‑approved action plan, including scientific monitoring, identification of pollution sources, road dust control, vehicular emission reduction, expansion of green cover and public awareness.

Work is underway to establish 13 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in the CURE area. A technical committee has been constituted to identify locations scientifically so that the stations provide representative data.

TGPCB is expanding the use of low‑cost sensors for air quality monitoring. Eight units have already been installed in Bollaram and Jeedimetla, with more proposed at recycling, crushing, construction and demolition sites.

Road dust control was identified as a key measure for reducing particulate pollution in urban areas. Steps include road improvement, end‑to‑end paving, mechanical sweeping, increasing green cover along traffic corridors and developing mini forests and Miyawaki plantations.

TGPCB also conducted a workshop on mechanical road sweeping for officials of three urban local bodies. Around 100 officials participated, and the recommendations are expected to be considered during the next service procurement process.

Steps are being taken to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to facilitate automatic challans for vehicles with expired Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is currently operating 310 electric buses within GHMC limits, with plans to expand the fleet. Electric buses allocated under the PM E‑Drive scheme will also be introduced in phases.

Source apportionment studies are being undertaken in Nalgonda and Sangareddy to identify major contributors to air pollution.