Effects of lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak on air quality and anthropogenic heat in an industrial belt of India

Highly urbanized and industrialized Asansol Durgapur industrial belt of Eastern India is characterized by severe heat island effect and high pollution level leading to human discomfort and even health problems. However, COVID-19 persuaded lockdown emergency in India led to shut-down of the industries, traffic system, and day-to-day normal work and expectedly caused changes in air quality and weather. The present work intended to examine the impact of lockdown on air quality, land surface temperature (LST), and anthropogenic heat flux (AHF) of Asansol Durgapur industrial belt. Satellite images and daily data of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) were used for analyzing the spatial scale and numerical change of air quality from pre to amid lockdown conditions in the study region. Results exhibited that, in consequence of lockdown, LST reduced by 4.02 °C, PM10 level decreased from 102 to 18 μg/m3 and AHF declined from 116 to 40W/m2 during lockdown period. Qualitative upgradation of air quality index (AQI) from poor to very poor state to moderate to satisfactory state was observed during lockdown period. To regulate air quality and climate change, many steps were taken at global and regional scales, but no fruitful outcome was received yet. Such lockdown (temporarily) is against economic growth, but it showed some healing effect of air quality standard. [Display omitted] •Imposition of lockdown has reduced land surface temperature by 5 °C.•Concentration of particulate matter 10 is decreased from 102 to 18 μg/m3.•Anthropogenic heat flux is reduced from 116 to 40 W/m2.•Air quality standard has improved from poor to satisfactory conditions.