As per the analysis of pollution data for Varanasi in 2015, the AQI was between 'poor' (201-300) and 'very poor' (301-400) categories between December and January. Considering the maximum-recorded AQI for mid/late monsoon, there are higher chances of it to worsen during winters as monsoon months are comparatively less polluted.

Talking to reporters on Thursday, CEED's programme manager, AnkitaJyoti said, "Usually, high air pollution levels are associated with winters when atmospheric inversion traps pollutants close to the ground and cause smog. But, of late the air quality of the city continues to be poor even during mid or late monsoon periods indicating that bad air is not just a seasonal phenomenon accentuated by weather conditions. A study was carried out from August 1 to September 30 this year and data was acquired from five real time air quality monitoring stations installed at Sndhaura road, Meerapur, NH-31, Sunderbaghiya colony and AssiGhat," she added.

Late monsoon months witnessed abundant rainfall and therefore maintained a better air quality than that monitored during summer and early monsoon. The count of PM 10 from summer to early monsoon months registered a change of 14% while a change of 70% was noted between early and late monsoon months, revealed the study.

CEED, CEO, Ramapati Kumar said the monitoring stations showed 'moderate to severe' level of pollution especially in peak hours owing to various factors especially vehicular emissions and diesel gensets and expressed the need to develop a 'clean air action plan' to reduce the air pollution levels.

As a part of its 100% UP campaign for a clean energy, clean water and waste-free society, CEED has selected five cities including Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Lucknow and Agra wherein air quality is being monitored. The collective data of all five cities will be shared by the organisation at Lucknow on October 25.