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Pune Diwali Pollution: Severe AQI Alert Issued
8 Nov
Summary
- Pune's air quality to worsen on Diwali evening due to firecrackers and weather.
- Bhosari may reach a severe AQI of 427.39; Kothrud moderate at 144.02.
- Doctors report increased respiratory issues in children before Diwali.
Air quality in Pune is expected to significantly worsen on Diwali evening, with pollution levels projected to peak in the early hours of Monday. Unfavorable meteorological conditions, including slowing winds and dropping temperatures, will likely restrict pollutant dispersal. Emissions from firecrackers are anticipated to exacerbate the situation.
Specific forecasts indicate Bhosari could reach a severe Air Quality Index (AQI) of 427.39 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kothrud's AQI is forecast at 144.02 (moderate), and Alandi at 99.78 (satisfactory). PM2.5 concentrations may reach around 250 micrograms per cubic meter on Sunday, potentially exceeding 300 micrograms per cubic meter by early Monday.
Doctors in Pune have already noted an increase in respiratory complaints among children, especially those with asthma and allergies, even before Diwali. This is attributed to exposure to firecracker smoke and pollutants irritating airways. The situation is feared to worsen post-Diwali, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma and COPD.
