Davanagere Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

Karnataka, India — Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5

Davanagere AQI Right Now

56

Category: Satisfactory

Dominant Pollutant: pm10

PM2.5: 19.33 µg/m³

PM10: 54.64 µg/m³

Last updated: 2026-03-24 — Data source: Google Air Quality API (NAQI). Live NAQI values load when you visit the page.

Davanagere Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.519.33 µg/m³
PM1054.64 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)13.1 µg/m³
NO₂17.9 µg/m³
SO₂1.91 µg/m³
CO577.62 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Davanagere

Satisfactory: Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.

Health Impact — Davanagere

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 0.9 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Life Expectancy Impact: Sustained exposure at this PM2.5 level could reduce life expectancy by 0.06 years (AQLI estimate, relative to WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³).

Health Recommendations for Davanagere

  • General Population: Acceptable air quality. Unusually sensitive people should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
  • Elderly: Minor breathing discomfort is possible.
  • Children: Should be fine outdoors with normal activities.
  • Lung Disease Patients: Consider reducing prolonged outdoor exertion.

Understanding Davanagere Air Quality

Davanagere, Karnataka's cotton city, lies at the geographic heart of the state on the Deccan Plateau within the Tungabhadra River basin. The city is one of India's major cotton ginning centres, with dozens of ginning mills processing cotton from the surrounding agricultural hinterland. During the ginning season (October–March), these mills release significant quantities of cotton fibre dust and particulate matter that elevate PM10 levels across the city, particularly in industrial areas along the Harihar-Davanagere corridor.

The semi-arid climate of central Karnataka, with annual rainfall around 600mm concentrated in the monsoon months, means dry conditions prevail for most of the year. Road dust from unpaved surfaces, construction activity driven by the city's rapid growth, and agricultural burning from surrounding cotton and maize fields all contribute to the particulate load. The moderate climate, tempered by the Tungabhadra River's proximity, keeps temperatures from reaching extreme highs but does little to aid pollutant dispersion during calm winter nights.

Winter months (November–February) bring the poorest air quality as temperature inversions over the flat Deccan terrain trap ginning mill emissions, vehicle exhaust from an expanding vehicle fleet, and waste burning from residential areas. The monsoon season (June–September) provides the cleanest air as rainfall suppresses dust and washes out airborne particulates. Davanagere's position as a textile processing and educational hub means growing urbanisation continues to add sources of air pollution.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Vehicle exhaust
  • Cotton ginning emissions
  • Road dust
  • Construction dust
  • Waste burning
  • Agricultural burning

Geography: Central Karnataka on Deccan Plateau; major cotton ginning and textile centre, semi-arid climate, Tungabhadra River basin

Peak pollution months: November, December, January, February

Frequently Asked Questions — Davanagere

Why does Davanagere have elevated pollution during winter?

Davanagere's winter pollution stems from cotton ginning mill operations peaking during October–March, agricultural burning from surrounding fields, and temperature inversions over the flat Deccan Plateau. The semi-arid climate with limited winter rainfall means particulates from road dust, construction, and waste burning remain suspended longer.

How does cotton ginning affect Davanagere's air quality?

Davanagere is one of India's largest cotton ginning centres. During the ginning season, mills release cotton fibre dust and processing particulates that elevate PM10 levels, especially in industrial zones along the Harihar-Davanagere corridor. The fine cotton dust can trigger respiratory issues for workers and nearby residents.

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