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Nagpur Air Quality Plummets: PM2.5 Levels Spike
23 Oct
Summary
- PM2.5 levels have worsened, exceeding PM10 at monitoring stations.
- Fine particles pose serious respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.
- Garbage burning and increased vehicle congestion are major contributors.
The ambient air quality in Nagpur has worsened sharply, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels exceeding PM10 at all four monitoring stations. Concentrations reached alarming levels in GPO, Ram Nagar, Ambazari, and Mahal areas on Thursday, with PM2.5 at GPO reaching 190 µg/m³. These levels are concerning as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, aggravating respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
Experts attribute the decline to factors such as increased vehicular congestion and the widespread burning of municipal waste. A former CSIR-Neeri scientist suggested that firecracker usage during recent immersion processions also contributed. Environmentalist Suresh Chopne emphasized the impact of numerous vehicles and rampant waste burning on Nagpur's air quality.
Leena Buddhe noted that this deterioration before peak winter is a "massive wake-up call." She urged immediate dust-control measures, waste-lifting drives, and ensuring functional electrostatic precipitators at thermal power plants. Concerns were also raised about a lack of action regarding reported firecracker usage in residential areas.
