PANAJI
Taking note of media reports highlighting a sharp deterioration in Goa’s air quality in October, Governor Puspati Ashok Gajapathi Raju has sought details from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), with sources indicating that he has asked the Board to investigate the issue and submit the relevant data.
Sources informed that the Governor is concerned over the rising pollution levels and has sought a detailed assessment of the situation following reports that air quality, which remained largely in the good-to-moderate range through August and most of September, has worsened considerably in October.
The concern comes against the backdrop of a sharp spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), which climbed to 190 late on Sunday night (October 11), entering the ‘Unhealthy’ category, before easing to 127 by Monday afternoon (October 12), according to real-time data published by AQI.in.
The GSPCB is yet to make public the air quality data for the month of August, September and October, till date, with monitoring up to July month showing air quality under control. The October spike follows a gradual rise in pollution levels towards the end of September. Daily AQI readings largely remained between 37 and 60 during August, while September began with readings in the 40s and 50s. The index subsequently climbed into the 70s and 80s towards the end of the month, touching 97 on September 30. Air quality deteriorated further in October, with the calendar recording AQI readings of 114 and 146 on October 1 and 2, respectively. Subsequent readings remained elevated, including 146, 121, 108, 121, 143 and 150, while the reading stood at 146 on October 11.
The trend has raised questions about the factors driving the deterioration as the State moves further into the post-monsoon period.
The AQI readings cited are from AQI.in’s dashboard, the data which is as per US EPA Standard (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and also as per Indian National AQI Standard (CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board).
As per the dashboard, the data is gathered from a vast network of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) and approved sensors operated by government agencies (such as the CPCB), research institutions, and community-based or partner monitoring networks.
