Black dust chokes lives in Visakhapatnam

In the South Assembly constituency of Visakhapatnam, a thick layer of black dust permeates the lives of residents, choking their health and diminishing their quality of life. The pervasive problem extends beyond the visible dust coating roads, vehicles, and buildings. Instead, it has become an invisible menace, infiltrating homes and causing constant concern over its potential impact on well-being.

For 24-year-old Ravi, who lives with his 48-year-old mother in Chengalraopeta, the issue is all too real. He wakes up at 5:30 a.m. to combat the pollution by using an air purifier beside his mother's bed. Their family, like many others in the area, has long endured respiratory problems thought to be exacerbated by the worsening air quality. To combat the issue, they employ door meshes and air purifiers to keep the pollutants out, but the constant battle remains ongoing.

The community at large shares Ravi's struggles. Residents complain about the heavy, uncomfortable feeling of the air, which makes breathing difficult. The consequences of this pollution are not limited to respiratory issues alone. The area also experiences a high incidence of eye strain, respiratory ailments, coughs, and colds. "The air pollution here is not just about dust settling on surfaces," explains Ravi. "It is an invisible presence that affects our daily lives and health."

A senior private doctor from the area confirms that prolonged exposure to dust pollution is adversely affecting the health of Visakhapatnam residents, particularly the elderly and children. "Many elderly people are suffering from respiratory problems due to dust pollution, while children come to us with complaints of persistent cough and other respiratory symptoms," says the doctor.

"Even a person wearing a white shirt while travelling through the One Town area in the morning could find it turning black due to the dust and pollution," remarks former legislator and minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Data from a report released in May 2026 by the Pune-based climate-tech startup Respirer Living Science paints a concerning picture. Air quality in Andhra Pradesh has deteriorated over the past three years, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide pollution worsening. Visakhapatnam has emerged as a major pollution hotspot, with PM10 particles exceeding national limits, PM2.5 particles increasing by 33%, and nitrogen dioxide rising by 44%.

The report reveals that the city's air quality has frequently fallen into 'Moderate' to 'Poor' categories during the winter months, driven by reduced wind speeds, temperature inversions, and lower atmospheric mixing that traps pollutants close to the ground.

The impact of this pollution is not confined to the Old City. Several neighborhoods, including Boggu Road, Velampeta, Burujupeta, Relli Veedhi, Rangireejuveedhi, AVN College Road, St. Aloysius School Road, Barracks Road, Kota Veedhi, Lakshmi Talkies Road, Kobbarithota, Prasad Gardens, Ambedkar Nagar, Bhupesh Nagar, Lakshmidevipeta, Gnanapuram, and Allipuram, have repeatedly raised concerns over dust and air pollution. Additionally, areas such as Beach Road and other parts of the city have also been affected.

The problem extends beyond the city limits as well. Several areas of Gajuwaka, Old Gajuwaka Junction, Y-Junction, Jaggu Junction, and Pedagantyada have been witnessing complaints related to pollution from activities at Gangavaram Port. In response, residents have organized protests demanding measures to curb the pollution burden.

Former corporator and CPI(M) leader B. Ganga Rao states that the pollution from Visakhapatnam Port and Gangavaram Port is a significant concern. The identity of the Old City, once a symbol of heritage and history, is increasingly overshadowed by the pollution problem that threatens the health and well-being of its residents.