Helena Joyce
The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad, is the fourth most polluted city in India. In 2022, the city's air pollution level was categorised as unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 159. The main sources of this pollution are automobiles, industries, construction, and the burning of solid waste. The city's rapid urbanisation and increased economic activity have contributed to a sharp increase in pollution levels. While the Telangana government is taking measures to improve air quality, such as tree-planting initiatives and encouraging the use of public transport, the high levels of pollution continue to pose risks to the health of residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most polluted city in Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Hyderabad's rank among Indian cities | Fourth |
| Hyderabad's global rank in 2021 | 68th |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) in 2022 | 159 |
| AQI in 2025 | 76 |
| PM2.5 levels in 2022 | 70.4 µg/m³ |
| PM2.5 levels in 2023 | 39.4 µg/m³ |
| PM2.5 levels in 2025 | 35 µg/m³ |
| Population | 6.9 million within city limits, 9.7 million in the metropolitan area |
| Primary sources of pollution | Automobiles, industries, construction, fossil fuel burning, landfill fires |
| Percentage of pollution from vehicles | 18-32% |
| Percentage of pollution from vehicle exhausts and road dust | 40-70% |
| Percentage of pollution from industrial discharge | 5-10% |
| Percentage of pollution from incineration of household rubbish | 5-10% |
| Percentage of pollution from biomass burning | 11% |
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What You'll Learn
Hyderabad is the most polluted city in Telangana
Located on the Deccan Plateau, Telangana is the 12th most populated state in India. Its largest city, Hyderabad, is also its capital. With an estimated population of 6.9 million within the city limits, this figure is likely much larger today, as the data is from 2011. The metropolitan area is home to a further 9.7 million people.
Hyderabad is the most polluted city in the state of Telangana. It has an unhealthy air quality number of US AQI 161 and PM2.5 levels of 75.1 µg/m³. The air pollution level in the city has been categorised as unhealthy, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 159, according to a report by IQAir, a Swiss-based air quality technology company. The World Air Quality Report of 2021 also ranked Hyderabad as the fourth most polluted city in India. The PM2.5 concentration in Hyderabad was 70.4 micrograms per cubic metre of air, exceeding the World Health Organisation's (WHO) annual air quality guideline value by 14.1 times.
The main sources of pollution in Hyderabad are automobiles and industries. Analysts say vehicles contribute one-third of the city's air pollution. The Telangana State Pollution Control Board reported that in 2006, 20-50% of pollution was from vehicles, 40-70% from vehicle exhausts and road dust, 10-30% from industrial discharge, and the remaining percentage from the incineration of household rubbish. Experts have attributed vehicular pollution as the single biggest reason for the deteriorating air quality in Hyderabad, in addition to fossil fuel burning, construction, open landfill burning, and landfill fires of solid waste.
The Telangana government is taking steps to improve the air quality in the state. The State Pollution Control Board is monitoring the air quality from six online stations and physically taking observations twice a week from 21 other stations spread across the Greater Hyderabad city limits. Additionally, Hyderabad Central University monitors the air quality 24/7. The government has also introduced a tree-planting initiative and is encouraging residents to carpool and avoid setting off firecrackers during celebrations.
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Vehicular pollution is the biggest cause
Telangana's capital, Hyderabad, is the fourth most polluted city in India, according to the World Air Quality Report 2021. The city's poor air quality is largely attributed to vehicular pollution, which is the single biggest contributor to the city's deteriorating air quality.
Vehicles contribute significantly to the high levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5) in the air. These fine particles, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, pose a significant risk to human health. They are small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue and can even enter the bloodstream, causing various health issues such as pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, and cardiovascular problems. Analysts estimate that vehicles account for up to one-third of the air pollution in Hyderabad, with internal combustion engines being a primary source of these harmful emissions. The problem is expected to worsen, as India's annual vehicle sales are projected to increase, leading to a larger number of vehicles on the roads in the coming years.
Hyderabad's air quality is also impacted by other factors, including industrial emissions, construction dust, and the burning of biomass in household stoves. However, vehicular pollution remains the most pressing concern. The city experiences more "red days" than other cities in the western and southern regions, indicating that its levels of PM2.5 are higher than the World Health Organization's recommended levels. This is particularly concerning as these fine particles can affect individuals of all ages, especially those with existing respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children.
To address the issue of vehicular pollution, local residents in Hyderabad are encouraged to carpool and use alternative means of transportation whenever possible. The Telangana government has also taken initiatives to improve air quality, such as introducing a tree-planting program. Additionally, the Telangana State Pollution Control Board is actively monitoring air quality through online stations and physical observations at various locations across the city. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of vehicular pollution and improving the overall air quality in Hyderabad.
While vehicular pollution is the biggest contributor to Hyderabad's poor air quality, it is important to address other sources of pollution as well. By implementing a comprehensive approach that targets various factors, the city can make significant strides towards improving the health and well-being of its residents.
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Industrial emissions and biomass burning are also contributors
Telangana is a state situated in the central plains of India on the Deccan Plateau. It is the 12th most populated state in India, with an area of over 43,000 square miles. Its largest city, Hyderabad, has an unhealthy air quality number of US AQI 161 and PM2.5 levels of 75.1 µg/m³. The cleanest air in Hyderabad is found in Rajendranagar, while the dirtiest is found at the Nehru Zoological Park. The cultural centre of Warangal records much cleaner air with numbers of 112 and 40.2 µg/m³ respectively.
Like most major cities, the poor air quality in Telangana can be attributed to industrial emissions, motor vehicle exhaust fumes, and smoke produced by burning biomass in household stoves. India's air quality worsens in the winter months and improves with the onset of the monsoon season. The average annual SOx and NOx emissions level and periodic violations in industrial areas of India were surprisingly lower than the emissions and violations in residential areas.
Fuelwood and biomass cakes are used for cooking and general heating needs and are burned in cookstoves known as chulhas. These cookstoves are present in over 100 million Indian households and are used two to three times a day. Some reports claim that 300,000 to 400,000 people die of indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning in India because of biomass burning and the use of chulhas. The carbon-containing gases released from biomass fuels are many times more reactive than cleaner fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas.
Traditional fuel (fuelwood, crop residue, and dung cakes) dominates domestic energy use in rural India, accounting for about 90% of total energy consumption. In urban areas, this traditional fuel constitutes about 24% of total energy consumption. India burns ten times more fuelwood annually than the United States, and the stoves used in India are less efficient, producing more smoke and air pollutants per kilogram equivalent.
To improve air quality, the Telangana government has introduced a tree-planting initiative and is encouraging the use of public transport. The Metro Rail services within Hyderabad have been extended to 56 kilometres and are used by an estimated 2.3 million commuters per day, helping to reduce vehicle emissions. The local government is also encouraging factories within city limits to relocate outside the outer ring road to newly created industrial parks.
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Air pollution can cause serious health issues
According to a World Air Quality Report, Hyderabad is the fourth most polluted city in India. It has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 159, which is categorised as unhealthy. The main pollutant in Hyderabad is Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5, with primary sources being automobiles and industries. PM2.5 levels in Hyderabad were recorded at 75.1 µg/m³, and 70.4 µg/m³ in 2022, exceeding the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended levels by five to fourteen times.
Air pollution is a mix of hazardous substances from both human-made and natural sources. It is a major threat to global health, causing more than 6.5 million deaths each year. Air pollution can cause serious health issues as the contaminants are inhaled and enter our bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and adverse effects on multiple organs. Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, is of particular concern as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing damage to tissues and cells throughout the body. Exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also worsen existing respiratory conditions, making it harder to breathe and triggering asthma attacks.
Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight, pre-term birth, and an increased risk of maternal and fetal illness. Research has also found links between air pollution and an increased risk of cancer, including lung cancer and breast cancer in women. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and other pollutants has been associated with colorectal and prostate cancers. Additionally, fine particulate matter can impair blood vessel function and contribute to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and abnormal heartbeats.
Indoor air pollution, including radon, smoke, lead dust, and carbon monoxide, can also have significant health impacts. Tobacco smoke, for example, contains over 200 known poisons and is a major cause of lung cancer. Biological pollutants such as mould, pollen, and animal dander can trigger breathing problems, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.
To mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution, it is essential to minimise exposure to pollutants. This can include reducing vehicular emissions, avoiding proximity to busy roadways, and improving indoor air quality by addressing sources of indoor pollution.
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Efforts to improve air quality are being made
Efforts to improve air quality in Telangana are being made by both the government and the local residents.
The Telangana State Pollution Control Board is actively monitoring the air quality in Hyderabad from six online stations and 21 other stations spread across the city. Hyderabad Central University also monitors the air quality 24/7. The Telangana government has also introduced a tree-planting initiative and allocated a "Green" budget for the creation and maintenance of sapling plantations. The Metro Rail services within Hyderabad have been extended to 56 kilometres, with an estimated 2.3 million commuters per day, which will help reduce vehicle emissions. Residents are encouraged to use public transport and carpool when possible. The government is also developing specific industrial parks for certain types of similar industries.
Local residents are also doing their part to control air pollution. Many residents are willing to carpool and no longer set off firecrackers during celebrations. People are becoming more aware of the results of breathing poor-quality air and are willing to change their lifestyles to become healthier.
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Frequently asked questions
Hyderabad is the most polluted city in Telangana.
The current AQI of Hyderabad is 76, which is moderate.
The primary sources of air pollution in Hyderabad are automobiles and industries.
Living in a highly polluted area can increase the risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, COPD, contact dermatitis, bladder cancer, peripheral neuropathy, or pulmonary fibrosis.
