Visakhapatnam’s air quality was classified as “poor” or worse on 41 of 60 winter days, according to pollution board data. The figures show the city faced repeated pollution spikes through the season.
The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board data also show that all 10 air monitoring stations in Visakhapatnam breached the annual PM10 limit over the 12-month period. An APPCB scientist said the city’s bowl-shaped terrain and winter temperature inversion trap pollutants, adding to the problem.
The data point to continuing air-quality concerns in the port city, particularly during the colder months. Officials have not said what immediate measures, if any, will be taken in response to the findings.
