A comprehensive analysis of air quality data from 2015 to 2025 reveals that Visakhapatnam residents have been breathing unsafe air for an entire decade. According to a Climate Trends study using Central Pollution Control Board data from 11 major Indian cities, the port city consistently recorded moderate but hazardous air quality levels throughout this period.
Mid-Tier Performance Masks Health Risks
The annual Air Quality Index in Visakhapatnam typically ranged between 95 and 130, placing it in the middle category alongside Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai. However, the city failed to achieve 'good' or 'safe' air quality standards in any year during this ten-year span.
While cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi experienced far worse pollution levels often exceeding AQI 180, Vizag's consistent moderate pollution still meant residents faced continuous exposure to harmful pollutants. The decade-long pattern clearly shows the city's air remained unhealthy despite performing better than several other urban centers.
Concerning Upward Trend Emerges
Between 2015 and 2021, Visakhapatnam's air quality demonstrated a slow but steady deterioration. The average AQI climbed from 103 in 2015 to 107 in 2019. The COVID-19 lockdowns provided temporary relief in 2020, when the AQI dropped to 95 due to reduced industrial and vehicular activity.
However, this improvement proved short-lived as pollution levels rebounded sharply, reaching 110 in 2022 and peaking at 130 in 2023 before settling at 113 in 2025 (as of November). The city maintained an average AQI of approximately 111 throughout the decade, firmly within the 'moderate' zone but showing a gradual worsening trend.
Alarming Particulate Pollution Levels
Perhaps most concerning is the data from the National Clean Air Programme analysis, which identified Visakhapatnam as recording the second-highest increase in pollution among 130 cities nationwide. Using 2017-18 PM10 levels as baseline, data from FY 2024-25 shows the city experienced a 32.9% rise in PM10 concentrations, second only to Aurangabad's 33.3% increase.
The Air Quality Life Index highlights even graver concerns regarding PM2.5 pollution. Visakhapatnam's average PM2.5 concentration ranges from 40-50 µg/m³ – nearly eight times the World Health Organization's safety guideline. Multiple pollution sources contribute to this problem, including industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, construction activity, road dust, and biomass burning.
The health implications are severe, with studies indicating air pollution may reduce average life expectancy in Visakhapatnam by over two years. The situation reflects a broader crisis in Andhra Pradesh, where over 90% of the population lives in areas exceeding PM2.5 levels of 25 µg/m³, and the state's average annual PM2.5 concentration surged by 70% between 1998 and 2021.
Mixed Results Under Clean Air Program
The Union government launched the National Clean Air Programme in 2019 to address the growing air pollution problem. Under this initiative, 13 cities in Andhra Pradesh were identified as non-attainment cities for failing to meet prescribed air quality standards.
While some cities showed significant improvement – with Rajahmundry recording a 30.6% reduction in PM10 levels, Vijayawada 29.7%, and Kadapa 25.3% – Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram have yet to demonstrate measurable improvement in PM10 levels. Despite progress in some urban centers, no city in Andhra Pradesh has achieved the revised target of a 40% reduction in PM10 concentrations as of 2024-25.
The data presents a clear picture: while Visakhapatnam isn't among India's most polluted cities, its consistent moderate pollution levels and upward trend pose significant public health challenges that demand urgent attention and effective mitigation strategies.
