Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) has clarified Guwahati’s air pollution is not that bad as shown in a report recently. The PCBA termed the findings as “misleading and causing unnecessary panic” among the residents.
A recent report by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology organization, has stirred controversy in Guwahati, by listing it as the second most polluted city in Central and South Asia. The report claims that Guwahati’s average PM (particulate matter) 2.5 concentration for the year 2023 was recorded at 105.4μg/m3, prompting concerns among the populace.
According to the report, this puts Guwahati’s air pollution levels higher than those of Delhi, which recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 92.7μg/m3.
Pollution Control Board of Assam asserted that Guwahati’s air quality is well-monitored through sophisticated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) located at strategic locations across the city. Data from these stations, continuously monitored and recorded, indicate an average monthly PM2.5 concentration of 52.8μg/m3 in 2023, with the maximum concentration recorded at 98.3μg/m3 and the minimum at 22.62μg/m3.
These official records contradict the figures provided by IQAir, which PCBA states is not transparent about its data sources.
“Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Assam government has been actively implementing various action plans to improve air quality in Guwahati and other towns in the state. As a result, the average PM2.5 concentration has remained consistent between 2022 and 2023, contrary to the alarming spike reported by IQAir,” said a statement issued by the PCBA.
PCBA has informed both the state and union governments about the misleading data published by IQAir. It emphasizes that the exaggerated portrayal of air quality could have serious implications for public health and everyday life, which have not been observed in Guwahati.
In light of these clarifications, PCBA urged citizens to carry out their daily activities without fear and dismissed the ‘unscientific’ and “misleading” reports circulating in the media.
