With growing number of two and four wheelers in the City, new areas are joining in the list of most polluted locations in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). The list of Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM), released by Pollution Control Board of Andhra Pradesh (APPCB) has spotted Sainikpuri and Chikkadpally on the top of the polluted areas list. The RPM has been considered till the date as an issue for most populated areas such as Kukatpally, Charminar, Paradise etc. The addition of new ares is indicating spreading pollution in the Hyderabad.
Aording to the air quality data released by APPB for the week of May 2 to 8, the RPM figures at Sainikpuri stood at 181 micrograms per meter cubic (mg/m3). Sainikpuri is followed by Chikkadpally with 168 mg/m3. Following are the areas in the sequence:
1. Sainikpuri: 181
2. Chikkadapally: 168
3. Balanagar: 146
4. Uppal: 139
5. Abids: 121
6. Charminar: 118
7. Panjagutta: 114
8. Jeedimetla: 114
9. Nacharam: 112
10. Shameerpet: 108
11. Kukatpally: 102
Most interesting finding of the RPM is the residential areas such as Sainikpuri and Chikkadpally are on the top of the polluted areas list. The RPM of these areas is higher than notorious industrial ‘/ commercial areas like Balanagar, Nacharam, Uppal etc. The National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Standards has set 100 mg/m3 RPM as the permissible limit for residential category. The PCB has found that rise in the number of two and four wheelers as a cause for rising pollution in the City.