Comparative study of air pollution in Telangana state before and after the Lockdown due to COVID-19

The Indian and Telangana government declared a complete/partial lockdown starting 24th March 2020 for breaking the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection cycle. In the present paper the air quality index and concentrations of air pollutants namely PM10, SO2, NOX and NH3 during lockdown period was observed in four major cities of Telangana state namely Kukatpally, Warangal, Nalgonda and Karimanagar. All these cities show Air Quality Index in between 51 to 150 representing moderate to poor for health impact before lockdown. The pollution levels are lowered during lock down due to the vehicles stay off the road, construction is put on hold and factories stop production due to strict implementation of lockdown in Telangana state. © 2021 Ecological Society of India. All rights reserved.