Kochi: A study report has pointed out decrease in the amount of pure air that the state received during lockdown times. The study also suggested that Kollam and Kannur districts are moving towards severe air pollution. The study was conducted by Centre for Science and Environment with the help of Pollution Control Department and Indian Meteorological Department.

The study that was conducted until January 26 showed that pollution levels are increasing during winter season. The study focused on the pollution level in cities of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Lighting of crackers in connection with Deepawali festival is the main reason for the dip in air quality level in Kannur and Kozhikode.

The air quality in places like Kozhikode, Kochi, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram came down in the week after Christmas. Compared to other regions, Thiruvananthapuram is not severely affected by air pollution in the winter season. The study revealed that Kochi’s air quality level deteriorated by 5 times in December as compared to April- May months.

The study was done using the air quality monitoring stations that are set up in different cities.