Pune Climbs to 10th Place in National Air Quality Rankings, Up from 23rd Last Year
Pune, 9th September 2025: In a major achievement for the city, Pune has secured the 10th spot in the country for improved air quality, rising from its 23rd position last year. The ranking was announced following a year-long survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change across 130 cities from 2024 to 2025.
The survey assessed cities on multiple pollution indicators, including biomass and waste burning, road dust, construction activity, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution. It also evaluated the steps taken by municipal bodies for pollution control and public awareness.
Officials said the improvement was made possible through a series of proactive measures by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), which has so far received ₹162 crore from the Central Government under the 15th Finance Commission to curb air pollution.
Key initiatives undertaken include:
Promotion of clean mobility: Incentives for the purchase of CNG-based vehicles, e-buses, and e-rickshaws.
Dust control: Deployment of water-spraying vehicles and mandatory use of green cloth and sprinklers at construction sites.
Pollution monitoring: Installation of sensors at construction sites to track and reduce emissions.
Cleaner cremation practices: Shift from wood-based cremations to gas or electric crematoriums with pollution control systems.
Strict enforcement: Action against open garbage burning along with awareness campaigns to educate citizens.
“These sustained efforts have helped Pune climb from 23rd to 10th place in just one year,” said Santosh Warule, Deputy Commissioner, Environment Department, PMC. He added, “Pune is one of the best cities to live in, and clean air is a vital part of that. Our work in the past year has shown results, and we are committed to further improvement.”
The city’s improved ranking highlights the impact of policy enforcement, public participation, and sustainable practices in tackling urban air pollution, officials noted.
