Hyderabad’s air quality shifts between moderate and unsatisfactory levels each year, raising concerns among experts. They argue that short-term solutions like air purifiers and smog towers are not enough to tackle the growing pollution problem. Instead, they call for long-term strategies to address the issue effectively.
At present, Hyderabad’s air quality is 12.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual levels. Although the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has set up over 14 air quality monitoring stations, they are not enough to cover the entire city comprehensively. Public policy advisor Narasimha Reddy stresses that long-term solutions are needed, such as controlling vehicle traffic, promoting public transport, segregating waste instead of burning it, and building dust-proof roads. He criticized policymakers for focusing on temporary fixes without addressing the root causes of pollution.
Reddy also pointed out that the pollution control board lacks the proper tools to manage the problem. “Our board often focuses on permits and doesn’t enforce industrial standards strictly,” he added.
Environmental expert Vedhakumar Manikonda explained that air pollution can spread across regions, crossing geographical boundaries. He believes identifying specific pollution sources in each area is crucial, but the State government is not making enough effort in this regard. In cities like Hyderabad, he suggests building dust-proof roads and using better practices during construction to control dust from entering the air. However, these measures are not being enforced effectively by policymakers. Manikonda also emphasized the need to reduce emissions at their source, particularly from industries, and to control pollution in water bodies like nalas. Ensuring fair decision-making and relocating industries away from urban areas are also key steps, he added.
Manikonda warned that Hyderabad could face a pollution crisis similar to Delhi if long-term solutions are not implemented soon. He urged policymakers to take immediate action to develop effective plans to curb pollution in the city.
Saroj Kumar Sahu, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Berhampur University, highlighted the importance of identifying the exact sources of pollution. He noted that understanding pollution sources is challenging because they vary from one place to another. While industrial waste and agricultural activities are known contributors, each region has its own specific factors. Creating an emission inventory to track these sources would be a key tool, but Sahu expressed disappointment that no city currently has such detailed data available.
In summary, experts agree that Hyderabad needs long-term strategies and better data to tackle its rising pollution levels. Without these efforts, the city risks facing a severe air quality crisis in the near future.
