Investigating Air Quality Transition Between Accelerated and Less Accelerated Manmade Activity Period: A Case Study of Industrial Cluster Paradeep, Odisha

IJEP 46(5): 395-405 : Vol. 46 Issue. 5 (May 2026)

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Maniklal Ghosh1, Amarendra Harichandan2, Paresh Nath Chatterjee1,3*, Malay Kumar Pradhan4* and Kabir Mohan Sethy5

1. National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Sohra – 793 108, Meghalaya, India
2. Hi-Tech Institute of Technology, Faculty of Basic Science and Humanities, Khordha – 752 057, Odisha, India
3. National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Department of Chemistry, Durgapur – 713 209, West Bengal, India
4. Directorate of Factories and Boilers, Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar – 751 001, Odisha, India
5. Utkal University, Department of Geography, Bhubaneswar – 751004, Odisha, India

Abstract

This study examined how the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns affected air quality in Paradeep, a major industrialized port city in eastern India. It focused on air quality in Paradeep, an industrial town in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, during and after phase-II lockdowns in 2020-21. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and the overall air quality index were monitored during and after the lockdowns. Principal component and cluster analyses were conducted to identify sources and determine the period with the greatest impact. The results indicated a significant reduction in air pollutants during the lockdowns, particularly PM10, which decreased by 47.99%. However, after restrictions were lifted, pollutant levels rebounded, with the overall air quality index increasing by 35.74%. These results show that limiting industrial activity temporarily improves air quality. According to the study, interim emission cuts in highly contaminated areas may help restore the environment. While reducing pollution sources can improve air quality, interim control measures may be needed to support short-term environmental restoration, providing regulatory authorities with useful insights.

Keywords

Accelerated man-made activity, Covid-19 pandemic, Air quality index, Industrial activity, Environmental restoration

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