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Pune's Air: 'Moderate' Days Still Harm Vulnerable
24 Nov
Summary
- Moderate AQI days in Pune increasingly pose risks, especially to children and seniors.
- Pune's good air quality days decreased from 80% in 2014 to 61% in 2023.
- Transport emissions are Pune's largest pollution source, accounting for over 45%.
Experts are raising alarms about Pune's air quality, noting that even 'moderate' Air Quality Index (AQI) days are becoming unsafe, especially for vulnerable populations like children and senior citizens. Data reveals a concerning trend: the proportion of 'good' air quality days in Pune has decreased significantly over the past decade, falling from 80% in 2014 to 61% in 2023. This indicates a steady decline in air quality, with an increasing number of days falling into moderate, poor, and very poor categories.
Transport emissions have been identified as the largest source of pollution in Pune, responsible for over 45% of the city's emissions. Factors such as a rapidly growing vehicle population, ongoing construction and metro projects, and congested traffic contribute significantly to dust and PM10 levels. Poorly maintained vehicles and industrial emissions further exacerbate the problem, particularly at traffic junctions. Winter months consistently see the highest pollution levels, with December, January, and February showing the most polluted days.
Air quality experts stress that the health impacts of pollution are not confined to 'poor' or 'very poor' AQI levels; they begin even at lower, seemingly satisfactory or moderate levels. Prolonged exposure to polluted air, even within these less severe categories, can cause irreparable harm to the health of children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory issues. Authorities are urged to adopt a coordinated, airshed approach at city and district levels to effectively protect public health.
