2026 Data Shows Vizag Residents Exposed to Unsafe Air Most Days

Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam is facing a worsening air pollution situation in 2026, with new data indicating that particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide levels have repeatedly exceeded national safety standards.

Findings released by climate-tech firm Respirer Living Sciences showed that pollution levels in the city have risen steadily, indicating a sustained trend rather than seasonal fluctuations.

Based on data from the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) air quality monitoring station, PM10 levels crossed permissible limits on more than 70 per cent of days between January and April this year.

The report said annual PM10 averages rose from 108.70 µg/m³ in 2024 to 139.59 µg/m³ in 2026, compared with the national standard of 60 µg/m³.

PM2.5 levels also remained above the prescribed limit, increasing from 45.14 µg/m³ in 2024 to 47.66 µg/m³ in 2026, against the standard of 40 µg/m³.

Nitrogen dioxide levels showed the sharpest rise, increasing by 34 per cent over two years, with vehicular traffic and industrial emissions identified as key factors.

The report identified major contributors to emissions as Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Coromandel Fertilisers, Visakhapatnam Zinc Ltd, Rain Calcining Ltd, Hindustan Polymers and Essar Steel.

It said industrial operations, port activity and traffic congestion were collectively driving higher pollution levels, with nitrogen dioxide showing a double-peak pattern during rush hours.

The GVMC monitoring station has consistently recorded high pollution levels for PM10, PM2.5 and NO2, ranking among the most affected locations in Andhra Pradesh.

Ronak Sutaria, Founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences, said stronger enforcement and source-specific interventions were required, noting that industries identified under the Government of India’s Clean Air Action Plan continue to contribute to emissions.

Citizens’ groups also raised concerns. Greater Visakhapatnam Citizens’ Forum Secretary Capt. N. Vishwanathan said residents were bearing the health burden without adequate monitoring or source-apportionment studies.

The report recommended expansion of the city’s monitoring network beyond the existing GVMC station, preparation of a hyperlocal emissions inventory, and implementation of enforceable industrial emission targets.

It also suggested daily hotspot reporting to enable quicker administrative response to pollution spikes, warning that air quality could deteriorate further without targeted interventions.