Panaji: Annual ambient air quality deteriorated in Vasco and Bicholim between April 2025 and March 2026, according to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). The prescribed annual PM10 limits were also exceeded at Baina and the industrial estates at Cuncolim, Tuem and Kundaim.The board attributed “the variations in air quality observed at these locations mainly to vehicular movement, construction activities, road digging works and associated dust generation”.The annual average PM10 (particulate matter) level in Vasco rose to 72 in 2025-26 from 61 the previous year, while Bicholim recorded 75 compared with 63. Ponda also registered an increase in annual PM10 levels.The Central Pollution Control Board prescribes a National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) annual average limit of 60 for PM10.“The annual average concentrations of PM10 (particulate matter) at certain locations were observed to be marginally exceeding the prescribed annual standard. A comparison of the annual average data for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26 indicates an overall decreasing trend in PM10 concentrations, except at three locations – Vasco, Ponda, Bicholim,” the GSPCB said.The board carries out ambient air quality monitoring under the National Air Monitoring Programme.“Based on the monitoring carried out from April 2025 to March 2026 and considering the daily standard, the ambient air quality across Goa remained predominantly within the ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’ categories for most of the year. However, at locations such as Cuncolim industrial estate, Tuem industrial estate, Bicholim, Vasco, Baina, and Kundaim industrial estate, the Air Quality Index (AQI) occasionally ranged from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘moderate’,” the GSPCB said.The board said the findings have been forwarded to the department of environment and other stakeholders for action under the state action plan for clean air.The GSPCB operates 18 ambient air quality monitoring stations across urban, industrial, mining-influenced, residential and commercial areas, including Panaji, Vasco, Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, Bicholim and the industrial estates at Kundaim, Cuncolim and Tuem. Sixteen stations are monitored by Union environment ministry-recognised laboratories, while the remaining two are monitored by board staff.Under the NAAQS, air quality is assessed using daily (24-hour) and annual average standards. Monitoring is carried out round the clock twice a week, with four-hourly sampling for gaseous pollutants, eight-hourly sampling for PM10, and 24-hour sampling for PM2.5, generating about 140 observations annually. The programme aims to track air quality trends, identify violations of standards, detect non-attainment cities, and support preventive and corrective measures.
