State’s air quality deteriorated over 3 years, reveals report

Andhra Pradesh’s air quality has deteriorated over the last three years, while particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and pollution from nitrogen dioxide have worsened during the same period, with Visakhapatnam emerging as a major pollution hotspot, according to an analysis by Pune-based climate-tech startup Respirer Living Science.

The analysis, carried out for the duration of three years between January 2024 and April 2026, states that PM10, which are coarse dust particles small enough to enter the nose and throat, has exceeded the national limit, while PM2.5, which are ultra-fine particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, has surged by 33% and crossed the national threshold. Nitrogen dioxide (a combustion gas from vehicles and industry that irritates the airways) pollution has increased by about 44%, the report revealed.

The Winter months – November, December, and January – drive pollution to its highest levels across PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide, a pattern attributable to reduced wind speeds, temperature inversions, and lower atmospheric mixing that trap pollutants close to ground level.

However, according to the analysis, Ammonia levels do not peak sharply in Winter; they remain relatively elevated across all months, with the highest values seen in early 2026 (January–April).

Vizag major pollution hotspot

The top PM2.5 hotspot stations over the 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 in Anantapur, Gangineni Cheruvu in Chittoor, Anand Kalakshetram in Rajamahendravaram and Secretariat in Amaravati.

The combination of port activity, heavy industry and growing urban traffic creates a compounding pollution burden in Visakhapatnam, the report states.