A photograph from Visakhapatnam shows smog covering R.K. Beach. The scene matters for UPSC because it links urban air pollution with coastal weather conditions and public health concerns.
Industrial pollution and high humidity reduced visibility in the city and pushed the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 126, which falls in the poor category. Coastal cities are not immune to air-pollution stress when emissions, humidity, and low dispersion conditions act together.
Why the episode matters
The Visakhapatnam smog episode is useful for GS3 because it connects sources of pollution with the governance challenge of protecting urban health. It also helps revise the practical meaning of AQI categories and the role of local meteorological conditions in worsening exposure.
Key facts for Prelims
For revision, remember that the affected location is R.K. Beach, Visakhapatnam.
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