Visakhapatnam faced a significant air-pollution problem during the winter months, with 41 out of 60 daily Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in December 2025 and January 2026 falling in the “poor” or “very poor” categories, according to Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) data reported by The Hindu.

 

The deterioration was particularly pronounced in December 2025. Of the 30 daily readings published for that month, 25 were classified as “poor” or “very poor”, and the monthly average AQI reached 255. The AQI peaked at 347 on December 19. January brought some improvement, but 16 of its 30 readings remained in the poor-or-worse categories.

 

The pollution data also revealed elevated particulate matter levels across the city. All 10 monitoring stations exceeded the annual PM10 standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre when their averages for October 2025 to September 2026 were analysed. At five of the seven stations with complete PM2.5 data, annual averages also exceeded the prescribed standard of 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

 

According to APPCB scientist M. Sree Ranjani, Visakhapatnam’s bowl-shaped terrain can limit the dispersion of pollutants. During winter, temperature inversion—when cooler air remains near the ground beneath warmer air—can further trap pollution. Road dust and other dust-generating activities are also important contributors to particulate matter.

 

The APPCB has imposed environmental compensation totalling approximately ₹16.33 crore on 10 industries for violations of environmental and pollution-control standards. The board has also directed industries to maintain pollution-control equipment and meet emission standards. However, the available data do not quantify the exact share of pollution attributable to industry, vehicles or road dust.

 

The board plans to expand monitoring with five IoT-based sensor stations expected to become operational by November 2026. Officials have urged residents to use public transport, avoid open burning and dumping of waste, and ensure vehicles carrying sand or soil are properly covered.