Analytical Study of Effects of Lockdown on Air Pollution And Comparisonof Air Quality of Pune, Maharashtra, India Before And During The Lockdown

Abstract

Significant reduction in air pollution has occurred during the period of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic situation. It has given a wonderful opportunity to compare the air pollution as Industries and the maximum traffic of the city had been stopped during the lockdown, which otherwise could not be possible, to stop all the traffic and observe the impact. The study aims to compare the air pollution levels before and during the lockdown period in different areas of Pune city. The daily data of Air Quality Index, Sulphur di oxide and Oxides of Nitrogen is collected, compared, and analyzed. Analysis shows the fall in AQI in large extent which can be directly corelated with the traffic reduction in the city. The other factors like winter inversion, seasonal and festival effects are also considered for analysis. The data is also compared with previous year data for fair conclusions. The result shows the influence of anthropogenic sources of air pollution on AQI.