During ‘unlocking’, rain helps keep pollution levels in check in some cities: Study

The highest increase in Nitrogen dioxide levels during 'unlock 1' was found in Mumbai, where it increased by almost 50 per cent.

The Air Quality Index for PM 2.5 has continued to be in the ‘good to satisfactory’ category so far and the monsoon is expected to maintain these levels, he said.

A fortnight into the first phase of ‘unlocking’ the nationwide lockdown, scientists at the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) have noted the continuing trend of declining pollutant levels, mainly particulate matter (PM) 10 and PM 2.5.

“This period has been marked by several rainy days which has helped wash away particulate pollutants,” said Dr Gufran Beig, project director of SAFAR. However, he pointed out that there were signs of increase in levels of another pollutant, Nitrogen dioxide, which had declined considerably during the lockdown phase.

The highest increase in Nitrogen dioxide levels during ‘unlock 1’ was found in Mumbai, where it increased by almost 50 per cent. “For other cities, including Pune, the increase was marginal,” said Dr Beig, adding that despite an increase, levels of the pollutant were well within permissible limits.

The Air Quality Index for PM 2.5 has continued to be in the ‘good to satisfactory’ category so far and the monsoon is expected to maintain these levels, he said.

Nitrogen dioxide (released during traffic emissions), PM 2.5 (atmospheric particulate matter that has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) and PM 10 (atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers) are among some of the major pollutants which, when exposed to for a long period of time, can cause respiratory disorders.

SAFAR scientists, who monitored pollutant levels during the three lockdown periods in Pune and other major Indian cities, had compared it with levels recorded last year and found significant reduction.

Indians strongly support measures to limit air pollution: survey

Majority of Indians support stricter laws and enforcement to tackle air pollution following the Covid-19 crisis — which led to a drop in pollution levels due to the lockdown — according to findings of a public perception survey that was released by Clean Air Fund (CAF), in association with global market research firm YouGov.

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The online survey sample was selected from countries including India, UK, Poland, Bulgaria and Nigeria. The poll, the first to pose these question citizens in several countries, highlighted that at least 71 per cent of people surveyed were concerned about air pollution as a public health issue, and 76 per cent as an environmental issue. In India, these numbers are higher, with 94 per cent respondents believing that air pollution affects their general health, while 86 per cent are concerned about it as a public health issue.

Apart from more clean air zones in cities and improved public transport services, the survey found huge support for re-purposing roads in cities to allow more space for walking and/or cycling. The findings are published in the report ‘Breathing Space’ of the Clean Air Fund – a philanthropic initiative to tackle air pollution around the world.

“As lockdowns are eased and economies restarted, people are clear that they do not want a return to toxic air. That would simply replace one health crisis with another,” said Jane Burston, executive director of the Clean Air Fund.

Anuradha Mascarenhas

Anuradha Mascarenhas is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a career spanning three decades, she is one of the most respected voices in Indian journalism regarding healthcare, science and environment and research developments. She also takes a keen interest in covering women's issues . Professional Background Education: A gold medalist in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a Master’s degree in Literature. Author: She authored the biography At The Wheel Of Research, which chronicles the life and work of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the WHO. Key Focus: She combines scientific accuracy with storytelling, translating complex medical research into compelling public and human-interest narratives. Awards and Recognition Anuradha has won several awards including the Press Council of India's national award for excellence in journalism under the gender based reporting category in 2019 and the Laadli Media award (gender sensitivity -2024). A recipient of the Lokmat journalism award (gender category-2022), she was also shortlisted for the RedInk awards for excellence in journalism-2021. Her debut book At The Wheel Of Research, an exclusive biography of Dr Soumya Swaminathan the inaugural chief scientist of World Health Organisation was also nominated in the Popular Choice Category of JK Paper AUTHER awards. She has also secured competitive fellowships including the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022), the Survivors Against TB – New Research in TB Media Fellowship (2023) and is part of the prestigious 2025 India Cohort of the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey.” Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) 1. Cancer & Specialized Medical Care "Tata Memorial finds way to kill drug-resistant cancer cells" (Nov 26, 2025): Reporting on a breakthrough for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Discipline, diet and purpose; How a 97-year-old professor defies ageing'' (Nov 15, 2025) Report about Prof Gururaj Mutalik, the first Head of Department at Pune's B J Government Medical College who at 97 credits his longevity to healthy habits and a strong sense of purpose. 2. Environmental Health (The "Breathless Pune" Series) Long-term exposure even to 'moderate' air leads to chronic heart, lung, kidney issues" (Nov 26, 2025): Part of an investigative series highlighting that even "safe" pollution levels are damaging to vital organs. "For every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level, there was 6-8% jump in medicine sales" (Nov 23, 2025): Using commercial data to prove the direct link between air quality and respiratory illnesses in Pune. 3. Lifestyle & Wellness News "They didn't let cancer, diabetes and heart disease stop them from travelling" (Dec 22, 2025): A collaborative piece featuring survivors who share practical tips for traveling with chronic conditions. At 17, his BP shot up to 200/120 mmHG; Lancet study flags why child and teen hypertension doubled between 2000 and 2020'' (Nov 12,2025)--A report that focusses on 17-year-old-boy's hypertensive crisis and reflects the rising global trend of high blood pressure among children and adolescents. 4. Scientific Recognition & Infrastructure For promoting sci-comm, gender diversity: IUCAA woman prof highlighted in Nature" (Nov 25, 2025): Covering the global recognition of Indian women scientists in gender studies and physics. Pune researchers find a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way from early universe'' (December 3, 2025)- A report on how Indian researchers discovered a massive galaxy that existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old , one of the earliest to have been observed so far. Signature Beat: Health, Science & Women in Leadership Anuradha is known for her COVID-19 reportage, where she was one of the first journalists to provide detailed insights into the Covishield and Covaxin trials. She has a dedicated interest in gender diversity in health and science, often profiling women researchers who are breaking the "leaky pipeline" in STEM fields. Her writing style is scrupulous, often featuring interviews with top-tier scientists and health experts from various institutions. ... Read More

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