Pune: Air Quality Deteriorates In Pimpri-Chinchwad, Residents Grapple With Rising Dust Levels

Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri, 22nd October 2023: Over the past three to four days, residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad city have been waking up to an unusual sight. The air in the mornings has been filled with visible dust particles, creating a foggy atmosphere reminiscent of dew points.

However, contrary to appearances, there is no dew present, instead, an increase in air pollution has caused these particles to linger in the atmosphere. This phenomenon has left citizens grappling with not only the unseasonal October heat but also the escalating problem of airborne dust particles. The rising levels of these particles pose significant health risks to the lungs and other organs of the body.

Local applications like “Safar” and AQI (Air Quality Index) apps available on Play Store provide valuable information about air quality in various areas of Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, Bhumkar Chowk, and Alandi. These apps indicate that Nigdi currently experiences the most polluted air, with today’s AQI reaching a concerning level of 285. An AQI exceeding 200 serves as a clear indicator of a significant spike in pollution levels.

The issue of air pollution has been steadily escalating in Pimpri-Chinchwad city over the past few years, primarily attributed to increasing urbanization and industrialization. As a reflection of this concerning trend, the Municipal Corporation installed artificial lungs in Pimpri Chowk on January 11, 2023, with the intent to showcase the air quality in the city. Shockingly, these artificial lungs turned black within a mere month, unequivocally demonstrating the deteriorating quality of the city’s air.

The surge in airborne pollutant particles has been affecting citizens, resulting in colds, coughs, and shortness of breath, among other health issues. The city’s burgeoning vehicular population and the dust generated by ongoing construction projects are major contributors to this problem. As a result, the residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad are breathing increasingly polluted air.

Development projects, particularly road repair and construction activities, are also exacerbating the situation. Dust generated by these ongoing projects has become a persistent nuisance for the city. Furthermore, the construction of residential and commercial properties at various locations within the city has significantly increased the release of hazardous substances into the atmosphere.

Pune’s air quality metrics fail to meet the World Health Organization’s standards for healthy air. Particulate matter with a size of 2.5 microns, denoted as PM 2.5, is notably four times more prevalent, contributing to the city’s pollution levels. PM 2.5 particles are fine pollutant particles that are 2.5 microns in size and can easily infiltrate the human body through inhalation. These minuscule particles comprise a mix of ozone, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrate, and dust, and their tiny size presents a major health hazard, as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.