Lucknow: With a score of 202.1, Azamgarh is the most polluted district, having the highest PM 2.2 level in Uttar Pradesh in 2024, shows an analysis done under the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring over Rural Areas using Indigenous Technology (AMRIT) programme.Spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) Centre of Excellence – Advanced Technologies for Monitoring Air-quality iNdicators (CoE-ATMAN), the AMRIT programme addresses significant gaps in air quality data and analysis in rural areas, which account for a large proportion of India’s population.A report by the IIT-K on Transforming Air Quality Monitoring in UP shows Bhadohi and Shamli having the highest recorded pollution levels after Azamgarh.The PM 2.5 recorded in these two districts in 2024 stood at 168.7 and 122.9, respectively. The report pointed out that, unlike urban centres, rural areas often lack systematic air quality monitoring, despite facing pollution from sources like agricultural burning, traditional cooking methods, and industrial emissions. Under the AMRIT project, 826 sensors have been placed across the state, ensuring robust coverage of both rural and urban areas.By leveraging indigenous low-cost technologies, the AMRIT project provides real-time, actionable data that empowers policymakers and local authorities to implement targeted solutions. Leading the project, Prof Sachchi Nand Tripathi said the air quality data reveal substantial seasonal fluctuations in PM 2.5 levels, with the highest pollution levels recorded during winter months, particularly in Nov and Dec. The findings show that winter conditions exacerbate the impact of emissions due to temperature inversions and stagnant air conditions.The year-on-year analysis shows notable air quality improvements in the state during the ongoing winter season in 2024. The average PM 2.5 levels decreased from 101μg/m³ in Oct 2023 to 76 μg/m³ in Oct 2024, reflecting a 25% decrease. The trend in improvement continued in Nov and Dec 2024, as a 26% and 30% decrease in PM 2.5 levels were observed compared to the respective months in 2023, shows the report.“The AMRIT project’s robust sensor network makes such granular analysis possible, enabling evidence-based decision-making for sustainable air quality management,” said Prof Tripathi.
