What is Pune's current air quality status?

Pune's air quality has deteriorated to the 'poor' category, with some areas reaching 'very poor' levels.

Why is Pune's air quality worsening in December?

Worsening air quality is attributed to falling temperatures, stagnant winds, and emissions from construction and traffic.

What is being done about Pune's air pollution?

IITM shares data with authorities, who are expected to implement measures like dust control and traffic management.

Home / Environment / Pune's Air Quality Plummets to 'Poor' Amidst December Spike

Pune's Air Quality Plummets to 'Poor' Amidst December Spike

4 Dec

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Summary

Pune's air quality declined sharply into the 'poor' category.
Three monitoring stations recorded AQI values over 300.
Falling temperatures, stagnant winds, and emissions are causes.

Pune's Air Quality Plummets to 'Poor' Amidst December Spike

Pune experienced a sharp decline in air quality on Thursday, with pollution levels pushing the city into the 'poor' category. Data from the Sameer App revealed that three major monitoring stations—Shivajinagar, Lohegaon, and Bhumkar Nagar—recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) values surpassing 300, indicating a 'very poor' air quality status. The citywide AQI stood at 213 around 9 pm, marking the second significant pollution surge within the first week of December.

Experts from the Metropolitan Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Services (MAQWS) at IITM cite a convergence of factors contributing to this deterioration. These include plummeting temperatures, poor atmospheric ventilation leading to stagnant air, and substantial emissions stemming from continuous construction activities and heavy vehicular traffic. These elements collectively exacerbate the air pollution crisis, pushing AQI levels to concerning heights.