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Pune Joins Forces with IITM to Combat Rising Air Pollution
13 Feb
Summary
- A joint working group and action team were formed by PMC and IITM.
- The group will identify pollution sources and create a scientific action plan.
- Pune's AQI is moderate overall, but specific areas show poor air quality.
In response to persistently high air pollution levels, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has established a collaborative working group and action team with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). This initiative, announced on Thursday, February 12, follows a workshop focused on urban environmental challenges.
The joint group will concentrate on pinpointing major pollution sources, analyzing localized data, and devising a scientific, phased action plan. This plan will be implemented over three, six, and twelve-month intervals to effectively curb air pollution.
City officials emphasized the need for a detailed, decentralized approach to understanding air pollution. Leveraging IITM's expertise, the aim is to create targeted measures for areas with elevated pollution, such as major traffic junctions and construction zones.
While Pune's overall air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 138 (moderate) on Thursday, February 13, areas like Hadapsar registered an AQI of 213 (poor). Other locations also showed concerning levels, highlighting the necessity for focused improvements to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
