Hyderabad: Air pollution in Telangana increased sharply this year, with several towns reporting high particulate levels. Officials recorded severe pollution in Kothur, Ramagundam and other locations, while Nizamabad saw a 16.6 percent rise within one year. Data showed PM10 levels moving from 56 in 2022 to 60 in 2023 and 71 in 2024. Residents in Mamidipalli near Nizamabad said thick dust from unfinished road works reduced visibility whenever vehicles crossed the stretch.
Local groups noted that pollution increased steadily in many towns. They said construction waste, unregulated traffic and industrial activity added continuous dust to the air. They also pointed out that the air quality index continued to decline in several regions.
Air pollution in Telangana exceeds limits across major towns
According to the Pollution Control Board, annual PM10 averages crossed prescribed limits in ten towns. WHO suggested 40 micrograms per cubic metre, while CPCB allowed 60. However, officials reported PM10 levels exceeding these limits by 30 to 50 percent in many areas. They said poor roads, heavy traffic, construction debris and open waste burning contributed to the spike.
Environmental groups highlighted a major gap in monitoring. They said the government restricted pollution monitoring centres to only ten major areas. Moreover, towns with high pollution such as Tandur and Miryalaguda lacked permanent stations. Residents argued that the absence of monitoring masked the scale of the problem.
Concerns grew further over violations by rice mills. Officials said mills must use pollution-control devices. However, several millers reportedly avoided using them to cut power costs. People living near these mills complained of dust, husk and smoke entering surrounding houses. Villagers from Yadgarpalli near Miryalaguda said more than 20 rice mills operated nearby, and many failed to follow rules. Residents from Kaluru also reported heavy smoke and dust and filed complaints with the Nizamabad district collector.
Recent 2025 data showed PM10 levels between 60 and 88 micrograms per cubic metre until October. Additionally, environmental officers said the final average might rise once November and December figures become available.