~ Worsening air pollution in Porvorim is rising due to the ongoing construction and traffic, affecting lung health. Expert advises precautions to minimise exposure.
The coastal state of Goa, usually synonymous with fresh sea breeze and lush green landscapes, is now battling with a silent yet deadly threat—rising air pollution.
With increasing vehicular emissions, industrial expansion and a sharp rise in construction activity, particularly along Porvorim, home to the state’s latest mega flyover, the state’s air quality is on a steady decline. The health consequences are becoming evident, with doctors reporting a surge in respiratory ailments among residents.
The ongoing construction of big ticket infrastructure, meant to ease traffic congestion, has left the surrounding area dusty and pollutant-filled. Daily commuters and nearby residents report persistent coughing, eye irritation and breathing difficulties, raising serious concerns about the long-term impact on public health.
“Air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a major public health crisis,” says Dr. Ashwini Collaco, a chest physician at Healthway Hospitals in Old Goa. “Pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering inflammation, reducing lung function and increasing susceptibility to infections. Long-term exposure may also accelerate lung aging and contribute to chronic lung diseases.”
Recent air quality assessments paint a troubling picture. In some areas, breathing in Goa’s air has been equated to smoking multiple cigarettes a day. The Goa State Pollution Control Board in November last year, linked the worsening air conditions to rapid urbanisation, increasing vehicular emissions and large-scale infrastructure projects. The Bombay High Court bench in Goa too has taken cognisance of the issue of dust pollution issue following a public interest litigation and has urged the state government to expedite works related to mitigation of dust pollution caused by the construction of the elevated corridor along the NH 66 in Porvorim.
The most vulnerable groups—children and the elderly—are bearing the brunt of this pollution. “Children’s lungs are still developing and their higher respiratory rates make them more vulnerable to pollutants,” explains Dr. Collaco. “Meanwhile, older adults with pre-existing conditions like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease face a greater risk of complications and hospitalisations due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality.”
To combat the harmful effects of air pollution, experts recommend practical steps such as wearing N95/KN95 masks in high-pollution areas, using air purifiers at home to improve indoor air quality, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours and staying hydrated to aid in clearing pollutants from the airways.
Medical advancements are improving the diagnosis and management of pollution-related respiratory conditions. “We now have tools like spirometry and chest CT scans that help assess lung function and detect early signs of lung disease due to pollution exposure,” explains Dr. Collaco. “However, the most effective approach remains prevention through lifestyle changes and advocacy for cleaner air.”
As Goa’s skyline continues to change with expanding infrastructure, the need for sustainable solutions becomes more urgent. “We must take air pollution seriously and adopt lifestyle modifications to reduce exposure. Governments, industries and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring cleaner air for future generations,” urges Dr. Collaco.
