Hyderabad: Air pollution in Tirumala is higher than in Hyderabad. Its NO2 values are even higher than some areas in New Delhi, infamous for its air pollution.
According to real time air pollution monitoring data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while NO2 (the dangerous nitrogen dioxide) concentration was 103µg/m3 in Tirumala in the past 24 hours, it was 59µg/m3 in Hyderabad.
In the past two weeks, from November 24 to December 8, the 24-hour concentration of NO2 exceeded the CPCB prescribed standard of 80µg/m3 for 11 days. In Hyderabad, it exceeded for just three days.
Like NO2, 24-hour concentration of benzene has also been higher in Tirumala than in Hyderabad for many days. The level in Tirumala, on an average, is 1.60 µg/m³ whereas in Hyderabad it is 0.76 µg/m3. No 24-hour standard has been set for benzene yet by the CPCB.
The main source of nitrogen dioxide and benzene is burning of fossil fuels, mostly from vehicle exhausts. Nitrogen oxide in vehicle exhaust quickly gets oxidised to a more toxic form which contributes in formation of ozone as well as photochemical smog, which can have significant impact on human health. High values of nitric oxide and oxides of nitrogen have also been recorded in Tirumala.
The AP State Road Transport Corporation operates around 1,500 trips with its bus services between Tirupati and Tirumala. A large number of people from outside come to Tirumala in private vehicles, too.
An official of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board said, “The abnormally high levels of nitrogen dioxide and benzene has come to our notice and we are checking as to what can be the reasons. We will check if the pollution monitoring unit is faulty.”
