The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has developed an app called “Sameer,” which provides real-time air quality index (AQI) data for various cities and monitoring stations. According to the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TPCB), the app collects data from air quality monitoring stations and makes it accessible to the public. The Sameer app is free to download on Android and iOS platforms.
On Monday, the Sameer app highlighted significant pollution levels in Telangana. At 8:05 PM, the air quality in Sanathnagar was reported with an AQI of 277, which falls under the “poor” category. Other areas, such as Icrisat in Patancheru (AQI 167), IDA Pashamylaram (AQI 164), and Nehru Zoological Park (AQI 163), also recorded poor air quality levels. These readings counter claims on social media comparing Telangana’s pollution levels to Delhi’s but still indicate concerning air quality in certain areas.
The TPCB clarified that the Sameer app calculates AQI based on national air quality standards. However, it noted that some third-party applications use European and U.S. standards, which may differ in their categorization. For instance, while the CPCB categorizes AQI levels as “good” (0-50), “satisfactory” (51-100), “moderate” (101-200), “poor” (201-300), “very poor” (301-400), and “severe” (401-500), U.S.-based standards classify AQI differently, with levels like “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (101-150) and “hazardous” (301-500).
To address air pollution, TPCB officials revealed that an action plan is underway to improve air quality in Hyderabad. Encouragingly, PM2.5 levels have reduced from 40 µg/m³ in 2019 to 36 µg/m³ in 2023, while PM10 levels have dropped from 97 µg/m³ to 81 µg/m³ during the same period. These reductions indicate progress, but ongoing efforts are required to ensure healthier air for residents.
