The state’s air quality has worsened in 3 years, the report said

Andhra Pradesh’s air quality has worsened over the past three years, while particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide pollution have worsened over the same period, with Visakhapatnam emerging as the top polluter, according to an analysis by Pune-based climate technology startup Respirer Living Science.

The analysis, carried out over a three-year period between January 2024 and April 2026, said PM10, which are coarse dust particles small enough to enter the nose and throat, exceeded the national limit, while PM2.5, which are ultrafine particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, rose by 33% and exceeded the national threshold. Nitrogen dioxide pollution (a respiratory irritant from vehicles and industry) increased by about 44%, the report said.

The winter months – November, December and January – drive pollution to its highest levels through PM2.5, PM10 and nitrogen dioxide, which can be attributed to reduced wind speeds, temperature inversions and lower atmospheric mixing that traps pollutants close to the ground.

However, according to the analysis, ammonia levels do not peak significantly in winter; remain relatively elevated in all months, with the highest values ​​recorded in early 2026 (January–April).

Vizag is a major pollution hotspot

The top PM2.5 hotspot stations in the last three years include GVMC in Visakhapatnam, Vaikuntapuram in Tirupati, Gangineni Cheruvu in Chittoor and Yerramukkapalli in Kadapa, while the top PM10 hotspot stations include GVMC in Visakhapatnam, Gulzarpet, Chinniakto Cheruv in Gangnam Province and Anniaktrashepur, G. Rajamahendravaram and Secretariat in Amaravati.

A combination of port activity, heavy industry and growing urban traffic is creating an additional pollution burden in Visakhapatnam, the report said.

Published – 31 May 2026 21:08 IST