Indore air quality remains moderate in Feb & March

Indore: Residents of Indore spent most of Feb and March breathing air in the ‘moderate' pollution category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) remaining above the 100 mark on many days during the two months. While a brief spell of rain recently helped settle dust particles and temporarily improve air quality, pollution levels largely stayed above the healthy range.AQI data from city monitoring stations showed that several days during the month recorded AQI levels above 100, indicating moderate pollution levels across the city.The pattern continued into March. At the Chhoti Gwaltoli monitoring station, AQI peaked at 188 on March 2 and remained above 100 on several days, including March 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 18.Two-wheeler riders say road dust and traffic emissions make commuting uncomfortable, especially during peak hours. Morning walkers also say the air often feels dusty despite the city's reputation as one of the cleanest in the country."Some days the air feels heavier, especially near busy roads. After the recent rain, the difference was noticeable, and the air felt fresher," said Manoj Rai, a resident of Patnipura.Environment experts say the city's air pollution during late winter and early summer months is largely driven by dust rather than industrial smoke alone. Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board former chief chemist Dr DK Waghela said weather conditions played a role in preventing pollution levels from worsening during the period."In both Feb and March, the AQI in Indore largely remained in the moderate category. Two main factors helped prevent it from rising further. There was an increase in wind speed, which helped disperse pollutants and light rains helped in settling dust particles," Waghela said.He added that dust from roads, construction sites and vehicular movement remains one of the biggest contributors to particulate pollution in cities like Indore."Rainfall helps temporarily because suspended particulate matter settles down and AQI improves. But once the weather becomes dry again, dust levels begin to rise," he said.Experts said that with summer approaching, dry weather and increased dust movement could again push pollution levels higher unless road dust and construction emissions are managed more effectively across the city.