Air Quality Decrement after Lockdown in Major Cities of Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

The lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a 'path' of reinstatement of the air quality globally. Despite several financial challenges, air quality improvement positively impacted the environment due to lockdown in the worst pandemic situations. The present study assessed the air pollution scenario in the post lockdown phase in the seven major metropolises of Rajasthan, namely, Jodhpur, Alwar, Jaipur, Kota, Pali, Ajmer, and Udaipur) in the recent pandemic year 2020. The air pollution scenario is determined with the help of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the concentration level of PM2.5 PM10, NO2, and SO2. This study reveals that Most Cities of Rajasthan are violating India's national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). It is found that Jodhpur is on rank first in terms of pollution levels, followed by Alwar, Jaipur, Pali, and Udaipur. The pollution level was higher before the lockdown period then reduced to a certain level due to restricted activities in lockdown. The pollution level is not rapidly increased after lockdown due to rainfall occurred in Rainy season from Southwest monsoon. Winter Season consists of higher concentration levels of pollutant and higher than Before Lockdown Period. The study shows the Significant impact of lockdown in reducing air pollution levels in cities. But imposing lockdown in a city or country is not a permanent solution to curb air pollution. So, regulating agencies and stakeholders should implement better control and reduction technologies for Indian cities. © The Electrochemical Society