Hyderabad: The Telangana government decided to expand air quality monitoring across the state as concerns grew over rising pollution levels, particularly in Hyderabad and other fast-growing urban centres.
At present, air quality data is available only in Hyderabad and a few major towns. Many smaller towns do not have monitoring stations. As a result, residents lack real-time clarity on pollution levels at different hours of the day.
To address this gap, the government decided to install air quality monitoring stations in all cities and towns with a population exceeding one lakh. Officials said the move would improve pollution tracking and provide a clearer picture of air quality trends across Telangana.
Hyderabad air quality stations to get real-time upgrade
Air pollution in Hyderabad has increased steadily due to population growth, rising vehicle numbers and expanding industrial activity. In response, authorities decided to upgrade all 13 existing Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) stations in the city.
These stations will be converted into Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS). Unlike conventional AQMs, which record only daily average pollution levels, CAAQMS units will measure air quality around the clock in real time.
Officials said real-time data would help authorities act quickly when pollution reaches dangerous levels. The system would also allow residents to avoid highly polluted areas during peak hours and take health precautions.
Meanwhile, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board decided to install 40 new air quality monitoring stations across 17 cities and towns in the state. Some towns will get monitoring facilities for the first time. Others will receive additional stations due to higher population density.
Officials said each station would track nearly 10 air pollution indicators. These include particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, along with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Experts said these pollutants are major contributors to respiratory diseases and heart-related problems.
Officials added that expanding the monitoring network would strengthen air quality surveillance and help authorities take timely pollution control measures across Telangana.