Pune AQI : Taking Punekar's breathe away post-Diwali

The air quality in Pune post-Diwali is back to moderate but still considerably par normal. Many parts of Pune city were seen covered in smog during the festive season as Pune city experienced a poor AQI level ranging from 250 to 310.

Post Diwali, the situation was supposed to be under control. The pollutant level in the city decreased to a moderate level. Yet, some part of the city like Shivajinagar still has poor air quality reaching its weekly high of 232 (on November 23) & hasn't come down from a poor level yet. This is causing breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. Areas like Alandi & Bhosari with weekly highest AQI of 186 & 166 respectively are also struggling to maintain at least moderate AQI levels. 

A map of Pune city showing AQI levels across various parts of the city (from 19/11/2023 to 25/11/2023) :

PM 2.5: The prime Pollutant 

PM 2.5 was the prime pollutant in areas like Alandi, Bhosari & Shivajinagar. It was observed that the PM 2.5 concentration across the city was 2 to 5 times higher than the CPCB recommended level ( 60 micrograms per cubic meter). This is seen as a clear indication of rising vehicular and industrial emissions and high levels of dust particles in the air. 

PM 2.5 levels across Pune city :

Residential areas under construction leading PM 10 levels:

For the past week, Karve Nagar & Pune University had the highest level of PM 10 in Air. The presence of PM 10 as a prime pollutant is caused due to various construction projects going on as dust gets spread with air and fog. Since it has already crossed the CPCB recommended level ( 60 micrograms per cubic meter of air) levels, some curbing action plan is expected to be followed by Pune municipal corporation authorities. 

PM 10 levels across Pune city :

Due to Pune's bad air quality during Diwali, many Punekars experienced health problems like shortness of breath, breathlessness, eye infections, and rising cases of viral infections. These serious health concern are still being faced by people living in Pune. Health authorities have adviced citizens to use masks outdoor and to stay indoor if possible. To check the rising pollution in the city, Pune municipal corporation is supposed carry out a strict action plan. 

- Mansoor Alamgir Mulla ( Roll no. 15 )