Pune: Rising Pollution and Falling Air Quality in Twin Cities Raise Concerns – Check AQI of Your Area

Pune once used to be a pollution free and a pleasant city with its thick green cover, gentle climate and enviable air quality. However with construction activities on an unimaginable scale, coupled with ever increasing vehicular pollution, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are putting up with a severe air pollution crisis caused by increasing urbanization, real estate construction, and vehicular emissions. The rising dust and pollution levels are posing significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as vehicle drivers, children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

In response to this pressing issue, Mahesh Landge, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Bhosari, Pune, has submitted a petition to Maharashtra’s Environment Minister, Pankaja Munde, demanding immediate action to address the deteriorating air quality.

Key Demands in the Petition:

1. High-Level Meeting: Convene a meeting of the Environment Department’s high-level committee to implement actionable solutions.
2. Control Cement Dust: Enforce strict measures to halt cement mix dust emissions.
3. Regular Air Quality Monitoring: Conduct frequent air pollution assessments and make reports publicly accessible.
4. Road Cleaning: Clean roads twice daily to reduce dust levels.
5. Strict Action Against Violators: Take stringent measures against vehicles violating pollution norms.
6. Water Spraying: Use water tankers or air guns to suppress road dust.
7. Health Measures: Assess the health impact of pollution on citizens and provide necessary healthcare services.
8. Tree Plantation & Maintenance: Ensure proper care and regular watering of roadside trees.

Alarming AQI Levels:
On March 12, 2025, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pimpri-Chinchwad ranged between 127 and 271, falling under the “Moderate” to “Poor” categories. Such levels indicate serious health risks, especially for sensitive groups.

Current AQI Levels in Pune:

Here are the current AQI levels at various places in Pune

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI):
The AQI is a simplified tool that communicates air quality status using a single number, nomenclature, and color. It is calculated based on the concentration of eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. The AQI is divided into six categories:

1. Good (0-50): Minimal impact on health.
2. Satisfactory (51-100): Minor discomfort for sensitive individuals.
3. Moderate (101-200): Breathing discomfort for people with lung or heart diseases.
4. Poor (201-300): Breathing discomfort for most people.
5. Very Poor (301-400): Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
6. Severe (401-500): Health impacts even on healthy individuals.

The AQI is determined by the worst sub-index among the pollutants measured. For instance, if PM2.5 levels are in the “Poor” category, the overall AQI will be classified as “Poor,” regardless of other pollutants’ levels.

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