An analysis of air pollution trends in Jaipur, UNESCO world heritage city

Introduction: Introduction: Air pollution is a significant environmental challenge globally, exacerbated by industrialization and increasing vehicular emissions. This study focuses on Jaipur, India, where rapid urbanization and industrial growth have intensified pollution levels, impacting public health and environmental quality. Materials and methods: This study utilized secondary data from the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and satellite imagery obtained from the NRSC BHUVAN. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were employed to analyze pollution data from six sample sites in Jaipur. Interpolation techniques, including Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), were used to map the spatial distribution of pollutants. Results: From 2011 to 2019, Jaipur experienced varying levels of air pollution, with high concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) observed in industrial and commercial zones, such as the Vishwakarma Industrial Area and Ajmeri Gate. Areas with natural features, like Jhalana Dungri and the Malaviya Industrial Area, consistently showed lower pollution levels. Conclusion: The study highlights significant spatial and temporal variations in air quality across Jaipur, influenced by industrial activities and vehicular emissions. Effective pollution control measures and urban planning strategies are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts of air pollution on public health and environmental sustainability in Jaipur and similar urban centers.