Question

How much is normal AQI (Air Quality Index) for Sikkim and what factors are responsible for it?

Answer 1

AQI: Air Quality Index

It is used to report daily air quality conditions.

It is a tool used by various agencies to provide public with timely and easy to understand information on local air quality and whether air pollution levels pose a health concern.

Increase in air pollution have been linked to decrease in lung function and increases in heart attacks.

According to recent study, the AQI of Sikkim is:-

S.No. Name of Stations        June   July   Aug   Sept    Oct

1     Rangpo, East Sikkim             36      56      60      50       40

2     Singtam, East Sikkim           36      38      38       38       37

3     Deorali, East Sikkim             41       38      31       29        38

4     Ravangla, South Sikkim       15       14       17       18         20

5     Namchi, South Sikkim          27      27      26      22        27

6     Pelling, West Sikkim             17       11       13       16          29

7     Mangan, North Sikkim          4        18       24      22         32

Factors which are responsible for it are: -

• Burning of fossil fuels
• Industrial Emission
• Forest fires
• Emission from vehicles
• Burning of garbage
• Construction work
• Use of chemicals which contribute in air pollution