Air quality improves in Kerala, lockdown reduces pollution

KOCHI: The nationwide lockdown which was imposed to control the spread of Covid-19 has helped in improving the air quality of cities in Kerala. The imposed lockdown has reduced vehicular traffic, construction activities, stopped many polluting industries and reduced the burning of garbage which has led to significant improvement in pollution levels.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the regions like Vyttila in Ernakulam which constantly recorded threat level of pollution has seen a significant improvement in the air quality. The AQI of Vyttila on January 30 was 113, while on March 28 it was recorded 63 and on March 31 it was 40. Other cities in the state has also recorded a lower AQI level recently. Kozhikode, which stood at 76 on January 30, improved to 56 on March 28 and 53 on March 31. As per CPCB’s report, the state’s Average Air Quality index (AQI) value now stands at around 50.