As summer begins, people across India start planning their vacations for the year ahead. When selecting a holiday destination, it’s important to remember the quality of air we would be exposed to. Good air quality is essential for a healthy and pleasant travel experience.
The study focused on popular* destinations such as Goa, Kerala, Northeast India, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir. Data was collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), focusing on five main pollutants—PM2.5, PM10, NO2, NH3, and SO2. The study assessed compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and the Air Quality Index (AQI) was calculated for these pollutants.
According to the NAAQS, prescribed pollutants’ concentration levels may not be violated more than 2% of the time (fewer than four days in a 182-day period). Significant exceedances were observed in Goa (9%), Northeast India (Shillong 20%, Nagaon 47%), Himachal Pradesh (Baddi 88%), and New Delhi (87%).
Col. Ashwini Channan, CEO of Airvoice India, commented on the report: “When starting this study, our goal was to recommend vacation spots based on air quality. Unfortunately, current information on air quality in tourist destinations is quite limited. We compared data from just a few stations. A modern science-based approach requires dense air quality monitoring networks in each locality, providing real-time air quality data on every street. Digital twins also help predict air quality, considering all influencing factors.
Real-time data and forecasts in user-friendly applications allow people to manage their environmental impact effectively. I hope soon everyone will be able to easily assess when a vacation will be health-beneficial and when it’s better to stay home.”
Particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 and PM10, was identified as the primary contributor to poor air quality in these regions.
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