New Airvoice's Study Highlights Air Quality in India's Top Tourist Destinations

2024-07-25 09:21

We recently concluded a study that offers important insights into the environmental conditions of some of India's most popular tourist spots. By analyzing air quality data from January 1, 2024, to July 1, 2024, the study offers valuable insights for travelers who seek not only scenery and adventure but also value a healthy environment.

As summer begins, people across India start planning their vacations for the year ahead. When selecting a holiday destination, it’s important to remember the quality of air we would be exposed to. Good air quality is essential for a healthy and pleasant travel experience.

The study focused on popular* destinations such as Goa, Kerala, Northeast India, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir. Data was collected from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), focusing on five main pollutants—PM2.5, PM10, NO2, NH3, and SO2. The study assessed compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and the Air Quality Index (AQI) was calculated for these pollutants.

According to the NAAQS, prescribed pollutants’ concentration levels may not be violated more than 2% of the time (fewer than four days in a 182-day period). Significant exceedances were observed in Goa (9%), Northeast India (Shillong 20%, Nagaon 47%), Himachal Pradesh (Baddi 88%), and New Delhi (87%).

Col. Ashwini Channan, CEO of Airvoice India, commented on the report:

"When starting this study, our goal was to recommend vacation spots based on air quality. Unfortunately, current information on air quality in tourist destinations is quite limited. We compared data from just a few stations. A modern science-based approach requires dense air quality monitoring networks in each locality, providing real-time air quality data on every street. Digital twins also help predict air quality, considering all influencing factors.

Real-time data and forecasts in user-friendly applications allow people to manage their environmental impact effectively. I hope soon everyone will be able to easily assess when a vacation will be health-beneficial and when it’s better to stay home."

Particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 and PM10, was identified as the primary contributor to poor air quality in these regions.

Air quality trends suggest it began improving during the winter season and continued till the pre-monsoon periods, with July-August expected to have the best air quality in the last 6 months.

Himachal Pradesh (Baddi) exhibited particularly poor air quality¹, worse than even New Delhi, primarily due to high PM pollution. The rankings of air quality in these tourist destinations closely matched their popularity, with the exception of Himachal Pradesh².

This study underscores the importance of considering air quality when planning travel to India's popular tourist destinations. While many locations offer breathtaking beauty and unique experiences, travelers should be aware of the potential health impacts of air pollution. By staying informed, tourists can make more conscious decisions to ensure a healthier and more enjoyable travel experience. Regular monitoring and reporting on air quality at popular tourist destinations can help visitors make well-informed choices. This initiative promotes transparency and prioritizes public health, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable tourism.

*Air quality data was analyzed to describe the environmental conditions in five regions, popular among Indian tourists, according to CNBC research.

¹Baddi, where the CPCB station is located, is an industrial center with multiple sources of air pollution. This may significantly affect the representativeness for the whole State of H.P.

²One significant limitation of the study is the limited data access. While big cities like New Delhi have a high density of air quality monitoring networks, this is not the case for remote regions that are popular tourist destinations. Often, entire States are represented by a single monitoring station, leading to low data reliability and potentially inaccurate representations of air quality conditions in those States.

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About Airvoice India: Airvoice develops and manufactures innovative software and hardware solutions for air quality monitoring and management. Founded in 2021, the company has rapidly evolved to address global air quality challenges. Its commitment to advancing science-backed technologies is demonstrated through strategic partnerships with major universities and research institutions worldwide. These collaborations, including partnerships with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the University of Arizona, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and many others, enhance Airvoice’s robust research in atmospheric physics and AI technology, establishing it at the forefront of the emerging clean air industry.

Airvoice.India, launched in 2022 as a collaborative venture between Airvoice Global and Col. Bhawani Singh, is dedicated to revolutionizing air quality management across India. With its advanced technologies and extensive experience, the company is adept at providing solutions that cater to the unique air quality needs of various sectors, including urban environments, industries, and residential areas.

Focusing on sustainability and innovation, Airvoice. India has quickly become a leader in air quality solutions, contributing to national smart city initiatives and events like the G20 Sustainability Summit in Delhi. The company’s strategic initiatives aim to position India as a central hub for developing and deploying air quality improvements throughout Southeast Asia.