Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 13: Goa's air quality deteriorated in October, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 190 in the 'Unhealthy' category late on Sunday night before improving to 127 in the 'Poor' category by Monday afternoon, according to real-time data from AQI.in.

The dashboard, last updated at 3.21 pm on October 12, recorded a PM2.5 concentration of 46 micrograms per cubic metre and PM10 at 55 micrograms per cubic metre. The AQI peaked at 190 at 10.01 pm on October 11 before declining during the early hours of Monday. The lowest reading during the 24-hour period was 114 at 1.01 pm on October 12.

Among the locations listed on the dashboard, Ribandar recorded the highest AQI at 158, placing it in the 'Unhealthy' category. Ponda and Cuncolim followed with readings of 142 each, while Pilerne recorded 139. Aldona and Madgaon registered AQI levels of 134 each, and Panaji recorded 124.

The readings indicate a sharp deterioration in air quality towards the end of September and during October, following comparatively lower pollution levels through August and much of September.

During August, daily AQI readings mostly remained between 37 and 60, indicating relatively better air quality. September began with readings ranging from 41 to 57 during the first few days. However, the index gradually increased towards the latter part of the month, with readings entering the 70s and 80s before reaching 97 on September 30.

Air quality worsened further in October, with the AQI recorded at 114 on October 1 and 146 on October 2. Subsequent readings remained elevated, including 146, 121, 108, 121, 143 and 150 during the first part of the month. The reading stood at 146 on October 11 before climbing to 190 late that night.

The trend marks a significant shift from the lower pollution levels recorded during the preceding two months, with several October readings entering the 'Poor' category on the AQI.in platform.