Comparative Study Of Impact Of COVID-19 Lockdown On AQI Parameters Across Urban India

In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, India imposed a state-wise lockdown due to which pollution levels in major cities across the nation decrease drastically. The current study used a variety of pollution metrics (PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, and NH3) to reveal geographical air quality patterns before and during the lockdown. The findings revealed that during a lock-down, air quality increases significantly. India suffered significant economic losses as a result of the shutdown, but it did relieve the environment. The goal of this study is to determine the effects of lockdown on air quality in 26 major Indian cities. A significant reduction in the concentration of PM2.5/PM10 levels is observed as compared to the other pollutant levels. O3 concentration is higher between 2017–2019 as compared to the lockdown phase. Delhi observed the drastic change in pollution level going from the very poor category to the good category. In general, the study is believed to be a useful input to regulatory agencies because it demonstrates that reducing pollution sources can improve air quality. Temporary source control can help cure the environment for a limited time.