Spatial and Temporal Variation of Air Quality in Himachal Pradesh

Study was conducted to investigate the air quality status during national highway expansion by analyzing the relationship of air quality pollutants (PM₁₀, NO₂ and SO₂) with meteorological parameters at different locations. The elevated concentration of PM₁₀, NO₂ and SO₂ was observed around the road construction activities, which indicated vehicular emissions, dust generation and biomass burning for energy purpose to be the main sources of these pollutants. Since combustion of fuel generates these pollutants and are directly released in the atmosphere. PM₁₀ have higher values (74.56 to 116.77 µg m^-3) and was above the permissible limit (100 μg m^-3 of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). NO₂ ranged from 16.96 to 26.33 µg m^-3 and SO₂ from 3.72 to 7.94 µg m^-3, respectively and were below the prescribed permissible limits. Seasons played significant role in catalyzing the air pollutants, especially higher values of PM₁₀, NO₂ and SO₂ in post monsoon season i.e. in winter months. Air Quality Index of study region was satisfactory to moderate.