Rohini Singh, Shalendra Pratap Singh, Pratima Gupta, Narayan Prasad, Ashok Jangid, Kamal Kumar and Ranjit Kumar*
ABSTRACT
Air pollution has posed threats to the survival of human being, became a big issue all over the world and mitigation remained a challenge. In November 2019, PM2.5 reached to the worst level in most of the cities of India and outbreak of COVID-19 arose in China. The first case of COVID-19 in India was reported on 30 January 2020. India currently has the largest number of confirmed cases in Asia. Lock-down in India to contain spread of COVID-19 disease was part of world strategy. COVID-19 associated lock-down has improved the air quality. This paper deals with a preliminary study on indirect effect of COVID-19 pandemic on air quality in 15 cities of 12 states of India. PM2.5 level showed fall in concentration all over the country. The complete lock-down in India due to COVID-19 has resultant into reduction in pollution due to complete ban on movement of vehicles. Exponential model further confirmed. The 2020 lock-down amid corona pandemic has resultant into like blessings in disguise. This study will help in setting the background value and making the long-term plan although impact of COVID-19 associated lock-down may be short-term.
Keywords: Air pollution, air quality, concentration, amid corona pandemic etc.