The Impact of COVID-19 Strict Lockdown on the Air Quality of Smart Cities of Rajasthan, India

The main focus of this study is to evaluate the air quality by comparing the concentration of particulate matter PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, CO, SO_2, and ozone of smart cities of Rajasthan before the lockdown and during the period of lockdown.

In India, the first case of the COVID-19 was reported on January 30^th, 2020. Indian government declared strict lockdown, i.e., public health emergency in India on March 24^th, 2020, which is implemented from March 25^th, 2020, to April 14^th, 2020, for 21 days.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the air quality by comparing the levels of all parameters of air pollution during the COVID-19 lockdown period with values registered in the pre-lockdown period.

Data were obtained from four automatic monitoring stations under the control of the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi (https://www.cpcb.nic.in/). Data regarding all the parameters were recorded as 24 hours average period.

CO levels showed the highest significant reduction in Udaipur (50.76%) followed by Jaipur (19.96%), Ajmer (17.11%), and Kota (5.51%) due to the ban on transport and driving. The levels of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO_2, and SO₂ were also decreased substantially for each smart city. Ozone concentrations were recorded greater than before due to decreased nitrogen oxides levels.

This study can be useful considering our present role in environmental restoration or environmental destruction. It will also be helpful in updating our present plan toward the assurance and conservation of nature.