G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttranachal
Haphazard urbanization and unprecedented vehicular growth that exacerbate air quality are prevalent features in India. The current study (October 2005 – March 2007) was undertaken to assess air pollution in hilly urban town. Assessment of the ambient air quality status in the selected location of urban and rural areas of Chamoli region was carried out for three seasons (summer, winter, rainy). Three sites representing urban area and three sites rural area and outside the town where construction activities are going from Chamoli region were selected purposively to spotlight an overview of the total air quality of this region. The air quality was assessed based on measuring three air pollutants namely Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM, RSPM), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Oxides of Sulphur (SOx). It is observed that air pollution level has found direct relation with population growth. The Oak Ridge Air Quality Index (ORAQI) was used to assess the results.
