Authorities in Visakhapatnam express alarm over a sharp rise in dust and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to convene an urgent high-level review with the district collector, GVMC, transport, and industry officials. This spike threatens public health amid winter conditions, echoing recent AQI dips into "poor" territory around 305 reported just days ago. The meeting focuses on immediate containment to protect residents, especially in industrial and construction-heavy zones.
Construction dust from rapid urban projects like IT campuses and tourism developments, combined with roadworks, vehicle emissions, and industrial activities, drives the PM10 and PM2.5 escalation. Vizag's port operations and ongoing expansions, including the proposed GVMC merger of 79 villages, amplify these challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas. Poor wind patterns trap pollutants, worsening conditions similar to earlier air quality warnings that called for industrial scrubber upgrades
Task forces and special committees are in formation to enforce stricter dust controls, including mandatory road sweeping, construction site covers, and emission monitoring. GVMC coordinates with transport authorities for green initiatives like the new cycle tracks from Mudasarlova to Sagar Nagar Beach, aiming to cut vehicular dust. Industry reps face directives for compliance, building on recent successes like Vizag Steel's production milestones.
Residents should limit outdoor time, use masks in dusty areas, and track AQI via apps while supporting GVMC's anti-pollution drives. Long-term, aligning with NITI Aayog's sustainable Bay City vision ensures growth without compromising livability. Check vizagupdates.in for live AQI updates and meeting outcomes.
