Post-Diwali Air Quality Analysis for Pune Shows Significant Spike in PM2.5 Levels, Pimpri-Chinchwad Among Top Polluted Areas
Pune, 3rd November 2024: The post-Diwali air quality report, prepared through the AtlasAQ platform by Respirer Living Sciences Pvt Ltd., reveals a substantial increase in PM2.5 levels across Pune, with Pimpri-Chinchwad emerging as one of the most affected areas in the state. This analysis provides a detailed look at how Diwali festivities have impacted air quality, underscoring the need for proactive pollution management across both metro and Tier II cities.
Key findings from the report include:
- Pimpri-Chinchwad: This area recorded some of the highest PM2.5 levels in Maharashtra post-Diwali, with concentrations reaching 125.62 µg/m³ on November 1. This places Pimpri-Chinchwad among the top polluted areas in the state, reflecting an urgent need for air quality interventions.
- Karve Road, Pune: PM2.5 levels at this monitoring site increased by 35.7% from 2023, reaching 90.29 µg/m³ in 2024, indicating a steady rise in pollution post-festivities.
- Revenue Colony-Shivajinagar: This location experienced a notable reduction in PM2.5 levels, dropping by 57.5% from 2023. However, nearby areas like Hadapsar saw PM2.5 levels climb by 56.3% post-Diwali, showing significant pollution disparities across Pune.
Ronak Sutaria, CEO and Founder of Respirer Living Sciences commented on the findings: “Post-Diwali air quality data for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad reveals troubling spikes in PM2.5 levels, highlighting how festival-related emissions can severely impact air quality even in Tier II urban zones. With cities like Pimpri-Chinchwad surpassing traditional metro centres in pollution levels, it is essential to prioritise pollution control and public awareness across the state to protect vulnerable populations. Proactive measures are needed not only in Pune but also in rapidly growing areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad to address the health risks associated with high particulate matter concentrations.”
The AtlasAQ analysis further underscores that Maharashtra’s air quality concerns are not limited to major metros. Tier II cities such as Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad have recorded higher PM2.5 levels than some larger urban centres, signalling the need for statewide air quality management strategies. This trend underscores the importance of expanded monitoring and targeted interventions to manage air quality in both metropolitan and smaller urban regions across Maharashtra.
This report calls for comprehensive air quality management efforts across the state, especially during high-emission periods like Diwali, to safeguard public health and ensure cleaner air in Maharashtra’s diverse urban landscape.
