A concise air quality study on impact of COVID-19 lockdown for two industrial cities of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

‘Good Outcomes from evil situation’ this phrase perfectly fits into the COVID-19 circumstances as several restrictions on anthropogenic activities provided an improvement in the ambient air quality status globally. The study deals with the consequences of COVID-19 lockdown on ambient air quality for 2 major industrial cities ( Raipur and Bilaspur) in Central Indian state Chhattisgarh moreover a comparison of air quality data was made with non-lockdown year (2019). The AQI and critical parameters (such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx) were acquired form online available source and then analysed for the study period (2019 and 2020). Noteworthy reduction in AQI and concentration of pollutants in Raipur was detected whereas there was reduction in Bilaspur but it was less than Raipur. Evident changes in the level of pollutants (NOx and PM) were observed during the study. Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were also examined for Raipur. Statistical analysis between data of meteorological parameters and AQI for capital city Raipur was also carried out.