Rising Dust Levels in Foggy Pune Trigger Health Advisory
Pune,6th December 2025: A persistent combination of dense fog and rising dust levels has prompted the health authorities to issue an advisory, urging residents to take protective measures. With the monsoon season over, construction activity—including road digging and building works—has resumed across the city, significantly contributing to air pollution. The fog is trapping these fine particles close to the surface, pushing air quality to worrying levels.
For the second consecutive day, on December 4 and 5, Pune recorded ‘Poor’ air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 211. Monitoring stations in Shivajinagar and Lohegaon continued to report higher-than-normal pollution concentrations.
Although daytime temperatures remain around 28°C, nights have turned considerably cooler. Early mornings are witnessing thick fog layers that prevent dust from dispersing, especially in rapidly developing suburbs where concrete mixing units and construction equipment are operating at full pace.
Earlier this month, in response to rising pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) ordered the shutdown of 11 Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants functioning illegally in the Hinjawadi area.
Weather experts predict further temperature drops from December 5 onwards as northern winds sweep into Maharashtra. However, the state is not expected to experience single-digit temperatures yet. In contrast, northern India and parts of Madhya Pradesh are preparing for a harsher cold wave.
Doctors in Pune have already observed an uptick in cases of cough, cold, fever, and throat infections. Individuals with asthma or chronic respiratory disorders are particularly vulnerable.
Health experts recommend wearing face masks, avoiding early-morning outdoor exposure, and consuming warm fluids and nutritious food to reduce health risks during this period of deteriorating air quality.
