The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report brings attention to the escalating issue of particulate pollution in cities across Rajasthan, exacerbating the state’s existing multi-pollutant crisis. The analysis reveals an alarming increase in gaseous pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide and ozone, posing significant risks to public health.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve air quality, both large and small cities in Rajasthan are grappling with deteriorating air pollution levels due to inadequate pollution control infrastructure across various sectors. The report highlights the alarming fact that particulate pollution levels in cities such as Jaipur, Kota, and Udaipur have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Several cities in the state fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with Jodhpur ranked as the most polluted city and Kota as the second among the non-attainment cities.
The challenge of ground-level ozone in these non-attainment cities necessitates robust monitoring to assess the associated risks accurately. Additionally, the report emphasizes the urgency of long-term planning and a comprehensive shift towards clean energy solutions in industries, transportation, power plants, and households to effectively combat pollution in Rajasthan.