IIT Kanpur Study Uncovers Critical Air Pollution Sources in Hyderabad Region
A comprehensive investigation into the primary contributors to atmospheric contamination across Hyderabad and its neighboring territories has yielded concerning results. Commissioned by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and executed by researchers from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, this detailed analysis provides crucial insights into the city's air quality challenges.
Alarming Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations Detected in Key Zones
The research documented substantial sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions across different administrative boundaries. Within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) corridor, daily SO₂ discharges reached a staggering 18,101 kilograms. Meanwhile, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) jurisdiction recorded slightly lower but still significant emissions of 10,701 kilograms per day.
The distribution of emission sources revealed stark contrasts between urban and industrial areas. Inside GHMC limits, vehicular traffic emerged as the dominant contributor, accounting for 91% of total SO₂ pollution. Conversely, in the ORR industrial belt, manufacturing facilities and factories were responsible for 92% of these harmful emissions.
Comprehensive Pollution Assessment Across Representative Locations
Entitled "Best available techniques and uptake of cleaner fuels for minimising emissions," the scientific examination encompassed five strategically chosen monitoring sites representing diverse urban environments:
- Datta Nagar and Narayanguda – residential neighborhoods
- IDA Jeedimetla – industrial zone
- University of Hyderabad – background location
- Charminar–Ghansi Bazar – commercial district
- Zilla Parishad High School, Uppal – educational institution
These carefully selected stations, distributed across municipal, GHMC, and ORR sectors, enabled researchers to construct a comprehensive pollution mapping of the entire metropolitan region.
Detailed Source Apportionment of Particulate and Gaseous Pollutants
The source attribution analysis identified industrial activities as the foremost contributor to PM10 particulate matter, representing 33% of total emissions. This industrial contribution comprised 5% direct emissions and 28% indirect releases. Secondary Inorganic Aerosols (SIA) added another 8%, while vehicular sources contributed 5% and road dust accounted for 15% of PM10 pollution.
For non-PM10 atmospheric contaminants, the study revealed even more pronounced industrial influence. Industry-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) constituted 66% of emissions, sulfur dioxide reached 91%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) represented 10% of non-particulate pollution.
Health and Environmental Implications of Key Pollutants
Sulfur dioxide, primarily generated through fossil fuel combustion processes, represents a significant public health concern. This hazardous gas associates with multiple respiratory complications including throat irritation, airway inflammation, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and diminished lung function. When SO₂ interacts with atmospheric moisture, it transforms into acid rain, posing substantial threats to ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and man-made infrastructure.
Volatile organic compounds originate from various sources including industrial solvents, paints, protective coatings, and chemical manufacturing procedures. Nitrogen oxide gases, produced during high-temperature combustion events, contribute significantly to photochemical smog formation, acid precipitation, and ground-level ozone creation.
Strategic Recommendations for Emission Reduction
The technical report proposed several evidence-based interventions to mitigate Hyderabad's air quality deterioration:
- Implementation of stricter emission standards, noting that many nations enforce limits below 30 mg/Nm³ compared to India's current 100–500 mg/Nm³ range
- Expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure and adoption across industrial and residential sectors
- Strategic relocation of heavily polluting industrial units away from densely populated urban centers
This scientific assessment underscores the urgent necessity for coordinated action between regulatory authorities, industrial stakeholders, and urban planners to address Hyderabad's escalating air pollution crisis and safeguard public health.
