Visakhapatnam lacks air quality monitoring stations

Air Quality Monitoring in Visakhapatnam

Air pollution levels increased significantly in late 2025 and early 2026 in Visakhapatnam. The city has only one real-time air quality monitoring station. This makes it hard to get accurate pollution readings.

Infrastructure Gaps in Monitoring

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) requires at least five Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations. These stations must be in different locations: two in residential areas, one in a high-traffic area, one in a commercial area, and one in an industrial area.

Current Monitoring Station

Currently, the only station is at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office in Dwarakanagar. This station is in a high-traffic area. The city needs four more stations in residential, commercial, and industrial areas to get a full view of air quality.

Data Reliance and Future Plans

The CPCB uses data from the single station at the GVMC office to provide real-time air quality information on its website. Residents check this website and their smart devices for updates.

Official Statements

On Thursday, S. Shankar Naik, joint chief environmental engineer at the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), spoke to The Hindu. He said, “Yes, we have only one CAAQM station in Visakhapatnam against the five stations required as per CPCB norms. We are in talks with our higher authorities to set up the remaining ones in a phased manner. Depending on the requirements, to set up each station we would require at least over ₹1 crore plus.”

Manual Stations and Recommendations

Mr. Naik added that the city has eight manual stations in different areas. However, for real-time data, the five CAAQM stations are essential. He advised residents to keep checking the CPCB website for air quality updates.