Air pollution levels surged dangerously in the latter part of 2025 and early 2026 in Visakhapatnam, yet the city has only one real-time air quality monitoring station, making it difficult to provide a proper reading of pollution levels.

This infrastructure gap is stark, as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms mandate to have at least five Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations to ensure accurate public safety data. These stations must be set up across five different categories of locations— two stations in residential areas, and one each in high-traffic area, commercial area, and industrial area.

Currently, the lone station is located at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office in Dwarakanagar and falls under the category of high-traffic area. The city still needs four more stations in the remaining categories— residential, commercial, and industrial areas to provide a clear picutre of real-time air quality.

Presently, the CPCB relies solely on data from the single station (located at the GVMC office) to provide real-time air quality data of Visakhapatnam on its official website. Residents frequent the CPCB website to check the city’s air quality, while also checking it on their smart devices.

Speaking to The Hindu on Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) joint chief environmental engineer S. Shankar Naik at Visakhapatnam zonal office, said: “Yes, we have only one CAAQM station in Visakhapatnam against the five stations required as per CPCB norms. We are in talks with our higher authorities to set up the remaining ones in a phased manner. Depending on the requirements, to set up each station we would require at least over ₹1 crore plus.”

Mr. Naik further added that although the city does not have enough CAAQM stations as per CPCB norms, we have eight manual stations in different parts of the city. However, for real-time data, these five CAAQM stations play a crucial role. He asked residents to continue checking the CPCB website for updates on the city’s air quality.