Effects of Meteorological Conditions on Air Pollution and Air Pollutants Trends in Shimla

Abstract

The increasing air pollution level in urban areas, particularly in hilly region like Shimla city. are seriously affecting the health of the inhabiting citizens .Shimla being the capital of Himachal Pradesh, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational center of the state and its abundant natural beauty attracts tourists. In the present study detailed statistical analysis of ambient air quality with respect to Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) of the Shimla city is analyzed in conjunctions with the adverse effect of these pollutants on humans health and their effect on ecologically sensitive areas of Himalayan region. The results of the analysis shows that, expect Sulphur Dioxide, the annual mean concentration of other two pollutants are above or near the permissible limit at most of the monitoring sites (residential and ecologically sensitive).