A study from Bose Institute, Kolkata, revealed that aerosol pollution is predicted to increase by 5% in Jharkhand, which is classified as a "very sensitive" (red zone), region. To cut emissions, the experts recommended increasing the reliance on thermal power facilities.

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sea salt, dust, black, and organic carbon are among the substances that are found in high concentrations in aerosols and cause severe health hazards if inhaled. The study stated that PM2.5 can be indirectly measured by using aerosol optical depth (AOD), which is a quantitative indication of the amount of aerosol present in the atmosphere. 

The study mentioned that if AOD has a value between 0 and 1. 0, then it denotes the clearest sky with the maximum visibility. The value 1 indicates extremely hazy conditions. AOD values between 0.3 and 0.4 are considered to be in the blue zone (less vulnerable), 0.4 and 0.5 are considered to be in the orange zone (vulnerable), and over 0.5 is considered to be in the red zone (highly vulnerable). With more than 0.5 AOD, Jharkhand is considered a red zone and if the level increases by 5%, the AOD may surpass 0.6 the next year.

The increase in AOD level may seem slight, but Jharkhand is already in high danger, making the state much more vulnerable in the future. The primary sources of aerosol pollution were thermal power plants (TPP), followed by solid fuel combustion and vehicle emissions. To reach the 0.4 level, Jharkhand must reduce TPP emissions by 70% to 80%.

The Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board′s chairman, Sashikar Samantha, stated that they were striving towards zero emissions.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/aerosol-pollution-may-rise-by-5-likely-to-impact-health-finds-study/articleshowprint/95368290.cms?val=3728)