Diwali Firecrackers Push AQI Above 300 in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad; Bhosari Worst-Hit At 326, Dhanakwadi Records 310
Pune, 9th November 2026: Diwali firecracker bursts triggered a sharp deterioration in air quality across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad on Sunday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 300 at several locations. Bhosari recorded the highest AQI in the twin cities at 326, while Dhanakwadi topped Pune’s readings at 310, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SAMEER app.
At 1pm, Pimpri Chinchwad’s average AQI stood at 301, while Pune recorded an average of 288. In Pimpri Chinchwad, Savta Mali Nagar recorded an AQI of 320, followed by Bhumkar Nagar and Transport Nagar in Nigdi at 305 each, and Park Street in Wakad at 301. Thergaon recorded 291, while Gavlinagar registered 256.
In Pune, Mhada Colony recorded an AQI of 304, followed by Hadapsar at 300. Panchwati in Pashan recorded 289, Katraj Dairy area 275 and the SPPU area 252.
The deterioration comes after relatively better air quality during the first few days of November. Pune’s average AQI, which stood at 90 and 91 on November 1 and 2 respectively, rose to 114 on November 3. It subsequently climbed to 157 on November 7 and 163 on November 8 before reaching 288 on Sunday.
Pimpri Chinchwad has witnessed an even sharper deterioration over the past two days. The city’s average AQI, which remained largely between 100 and 140 during the preceding days, rose to 211 on November 7 and 202 on November 8 before touching 301 on Sunday. The average was 93 on November 1 and 146 on November 6.
The spike coincided with widespread firecracker bursting during Diwali celebrations, which contributed to a deterioration in air quality across several residential and commercial areas. The high readings at multiple monitoring locations also indicate that the impact was not confined to isolated pockets of the two cities.
