Air Pollution in Pune as Serious as Delhi, Says PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 12th February 2026: Air pollution in Pune has emerged as a serious and year-round problem, comparable to the situation in Delhi, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said on Wednesday. Stressing the urgency of immediate action, Ram said the civic body has partnered with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to form a dedicated task force to monitor and reduce air pollution levels in the city.

According to the commissioner, Pune’s rapid urban development, rising number of vehicles, and increasing construction activity are the primary contributors to worsening air quality. “Pune’s air pollution is not seasonal. It persists throughout the year, which makes it even more concerning. We must address this now,” Ram said.

He added that the city is also facing serious environmental challenges such as growing urbanisation, traffic congestion, higher energy consumption, and the impacts of climate change. “Managing air quality is not just about monitoring. It requires data-driven decision-making, coordination between departments, and strong implementation,” he said.

As part of the initiative, PMC and IITM will jointly establish a working group and an action group for air pollution control. The task force will include PMC officials and four climate scientists, along with representatives from non-governmental organisations, housing societies, academic experts, and environmental scientists. The group will track air quality trends and recommend scientific measures to reduce pollution.

A detailed action plan will be prepared and implemented in phases, with timelines of three, six, and twelve months. IITM will make a technical presentation on pollution mitigation strategies, based on which PMC will roll out suitable interventions.

Ram noted that Pune’s growth has accelerated significantly in the last five years, with the city expanding nearly fourfold. “Around 50 per cent of India’s population now lives in urban areas, and cities contribute a major share to the country’s GDP. That is why reducing pollution and adopting climate-resilient measures in urban regions is essential,” he said.

The PMC said the new initiative is aimed at ensuring cleaner air and sustainable development as Pune continues to expand as a major urban and economic hub.