Short term unwinding lockdown effects on air pollution

Abstract

Although the impact of lockdown on Air Quality Index(AQI) was given enough attention but investigation on AQI during partial lockdown, change of the worst AQI hot spot pattern and its consistency, spatio-temporal dynamics of core-periphery divide of pollution over megacities were lacking. The present study explored the above mentioned issues along with monitoring of AQI of India during lockdown and partial lockdown based on the daily data of Central Pollution Control Board(CBCB). Gi-index, instability index, least squares regression and frequency approaches were used for analyzing AQI hot spot, spatial instability of AQI, trend of AQI and consistency of Pollution State Presence Frequency (PSPF). In result, clear improvement of AQI was observed since average AQI reduced from 110 in pre-lockdown to 73 in lockdown I and 93 in partial lockdown. The average AQI of the mega cities was improved up to 55%–75% in lockdown. However during partial lockdown, with restoration of economic activities the air quality was observed to degrade again. AQI hotspot and PSPF were identified high in and around Delhi and industrial hubs. Positive trend of AQI change, instability of AQI were found gradually high in partial lockdown period and these effects was observed greater in urban and industrial belts. Though all these facts signify anthropogenic activities as a major source of air pollution but shutting down economic activities lockdown couldn’t be a permanent solution to combat it. Hence, prioritizing green energy sources, improve technologies, utilize energy sustainably that could reduce the pollution level.