NT Reporter Panaji
In an effort to address the rising public concern over air pollution in the state, Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Tuesday presented an overview of the ambient air quality trends from January to December 2025, with places like Vasco, Baina, Ponda and Kundaim recording air quality index (AQI) levels that moved periodically from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘moderate’.
The pollution control board said the overall air quality scenario in the rest of Goa was “not worrying” and remained largely within acceptable limits.
Presenting trend data from 18 monitoring locations across the state, the pollution control board said air quality at 14 stations consistently ranged from ‘good’ to ‘moderate’, with no alarming deviations.
A scientist from the pollution control board said that the variations in air quality recorded at places like Vasco, Baina, Ponda and Kundaim were largely attributable to localised factors such as road digging, construction activity and traffic congestion rather than industrial emissions.
Explaining the trend graph for 2025, GSPCB scientist Mohan Girap said AQI is a composite index based on key parameters such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. “In most locations, particulate matter was the dominant contributor. Temporary increases are often linked to re-suspension of road dust and civil works, not sustained pollution,” the scientist said, adding that marine aerosols and seasonal changes also influence coastal readings.
Chairman of GSPCB Levinson Martins cautioned the public against relying on AQI figures displayed on private websites.
“People should refer only to the official data available on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website, which is updated every month based on scientific protocols,” he said.
Martins said the monitoring is carried out under the National Air Monitoring Programme of the CPCB. Under this programme, ambient air quality monitoring is conducted twice a week at each station.
Responding to media queries on specific heavy traffic locations where no monitoring station is installed such as in Old Goa, Corlim and Verna, Martins said ambient air quality monitoring stations cannot be installed at pollution sources.
“These are ambient stations, not source-specific. Site selection depends on population exposure, prevailing wind patterns, representativeness of the area, availability of open space and distance from immediate obstructions. But we have two mobile vans monitoring that can be used,” he said.
Martins said the pollution control board will continue close surveillance and mitigation measures at identified hotspots, while reiterating that the overall air quality scenario in Goa remains stable and not a cause for alarm.
