HYDERABAD: Winter has arrived in Hyderabad with an unwelcome guest: deteriorating air quality. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), once in the moderate range, has now plunged into the ‘poor’ category and is inching towards ‘unhealthy’ levels.
According to Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) data, Hyderabad’s overall AQI rose sharply from 83 on November 5 to 178 on November 11. The steepest hike was reported in the industrial and peripheral zones, where stagnant air and pollution load remain high.
Patancheru, Bollaram Industrial Area, Central University and Ramachandrapuram all recorded AQI readings near 180, while Zoo Park, Sanathnagar, IIT-H Kandi and New Malakpet hovered around 177–179.
Even residential and mixed-use areas saw a sharp drop in air quality. Somajiguda, Kompally and Kokapet recorded AQI levels of around 175, a notable rise from early November’s 79–86 range.
A deadly mixture
Environmental scientists attribute the worsening air to a mix of weather and human activity. Falling temperatures and higher humidity create thermal inversion, trapping pollutants close to the ground. Combined with vehicular emissions, industrial discharge and construction dust, this forms a dense layer of particulate matter.
“Hyderabad’s air typically worsens in November and December due to low wind speeds and cooler conditions that prevent pollutants from dispersing,” said Dr Beig, an environmental expert.
The impact is already visible in hospitals, where doctors report a spike in respiratory illnesses among children and the elderly. “Even moderate pollution causes throat irritation, cough and breathlessness,” said Dr Sravani, a pulmonologist. “Prolonged exposure can aggravate asthma, COPD and bronchitis. People with chronic lung conditions should avoid outdoor activity during early mornings and late evenings when pollution peaks.”
PM2.5 levels during evening hours have crossed 90 µg/m³ — six times higher than the World Health Organisation’s safe limit of 15 µg/m³.
Experts have urged immediate measures, including stricter emission checks, dust control at construction sites, and a crackdown on open burning. “It’s alarming that even green zones like the Central University and Zoo Park are now in the ‘unhealthy’ range,” said Dr Sravani.