As the holiday season arrives, people across India are planning their vacations, eager to explore the diverse and beautiful destinations the country has to offer. When choosing a destination, it’s important to remember the quality of the air we breathe. Good air quality is essential for a healthy and pleasant travel experience, making it a crucial factor to consider. This comprehensive study by airvoice aims to compare the air quality in some of India’s most popular tourist spots (as picked by CNBC), providing valuable insights for travellers.
How Clean Is The Air Where You Travel?
The study utilises data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and adheres to the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). By analysing data from multiple monitoring stations, the study offers a detailed understanding of the environmental conditions in these regions and how they might affect tourists. Let’s delve into the air quality conditions of these top tourist spots and see what the data reveals.
Air Quality Conditions Of Top Tourist Spots In India
1. Goa
Goa, renowned for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, attracts tourists year-round. However, it’s essential to consider the AQI when planning a visit. The air in Goa, particularly during the high tourist season, often exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). The 24-hour average threshold was exceeded on 9% of days in the first half of 2024. The air quality tends to improve slightly during the pre-monsoon period. However, travellers with respiratory issues should be cautious, especially during the peak tourist months.
2. Kerala
Kerala, with its serene backwaters and lush landscapes, generally enjoys better air quality compared to other tourist hotspots in India. The state’s air quality remained within NAAQS limits for most of the first half of 2024, making it a healthy destination for tourists. The coastal and forested regions certainly benefit from natural air purification processes. However, urban areas like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram can experience occasional spikes in PM levels due to vehicular and industrial emissions. Travellers seeking a breath of fresh air should head to Kerala’s rural and coastal areas for the best experience.
Also Read: 15 Newly Added UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Should Add To Your Must-Visit List
3. Northeast India
The pristine beauty of Northeast India, with its lush hills and valleys, also faces significant air quality challenges. Cities like Shillong and Nagaon experienced high levels of PM pollution, with incident days reaching 20% and 47%, respectively, in the first half of 2024. The primary contributors to poor AQI must be vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and dust. Despite these issues, the region’s air quality shows improvement during the pre-monsoon period, offering cleaner air for tourists in late spring and early summer.
4. Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, known for its majestic mountains and hill stations, has struggled with air quality, particularly in industrial areas like Baddi. The state exceeded the NAAQS limits by a staggering 88%, with poor air quality recorded on 161 out of 182 days in the first half of 2024. Tourists visiting popular destinations like Shimla and Manali might still find better AQI, especially during the summer months when pollution levels tend to drop. However, those with respiratory conditions should be cautious and monitor AQI reports before travelling.
5. Kashmir
Kashmir, famed for its stunning landscapes and serene environment, generally boasts good air quality, making it a favourable destination for health-conscious travellers. The region’s AQI remained largely within NAAQS limits throughout the first half of 2024, with minimal incident days. The natural topography and low industrial activity contribute to the clean air, particularly in rural and high-altitude areas. However, urban centres like Srinagar can experience occasional pollution spikes due to vehicular emissions and construction activities.
Understanding the air quality in these popular tourist destinations will help ensure that your travel plans align with your adventure and health.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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