VIJAYAWADA: Air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category in Visakhapatnam and Rajamahendravaram following Diwali celebrations, with particulate matter (PM2.5) emerging as a major pollutant.
In Visakhapatnam, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 229 on November 8 and worsened to 264 on November 9, according to data from the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation monitoring station.
Rajamahendravaram also recorded ‘poor’ air quality, with an AQI of 220 at the monitoring station at Anam Kala Kendram.
However, air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category in Amaravati, Anantapur, Eluru, Guntur, Kadapa, Kakinada, Kurnool, Machilipatnam, Nellore, Ongole, Srikakulam, Tirumala, Tirupati and Vijayawada.
Noise levels also rose sharply during Diwali night. In Visakhapatnam, average noise levels in residential areas ranged from 62 to 75 decibels (dB), with a peak of 111 dB, against the prescribed standard of 45 dB. In Vijayawada, average levels ranged from 63 to 77 dB, peaking at 112 dB.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board officials said there was no significant variation in AQI and average noise levels recorded in different parts of the State during Diwali in 2025 and 2026.
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