Pune Air Quality Alert: 60% of Days Between February and April Recorded ‘Unhealthy’ Pollution Levels
Pune Air Quality Alert: 60% of Days Between February and April Recorded ‘Unhealthy’ Pollution Levels
Pune, June 13, 2025: Puneites faced hazardous air quality on nearly 60% of the days between February and April 2025, according to a new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The city witnessed unhealthy air on 57 out of 89 days, raising serious concerns about the worsening pollution trend.
CREA’s analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data shows that average PM10 concentrations stood at 127 µg/m³ in February and 112 µg/m³ in March, both exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) daily safe limit of 100 µg/m³. PM10, mainly from road dust and construction, poses long-term risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Air quality in April 2025 also deteriorated compared to April 2024. More concerning is the rise in PM2.5, a finer pollutant linked to lung cancer, heart disease, and reduced lung function. Experts identify vehicular emissions and biomass burning as major sources.
Despite over ₹222 crore spent under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), annual PM10 levels continue to breach standards, calling for a revamp in execution and accountability.
Experts from Parisar and Pune Air Action Hub urge the administration to focus on public transport, walkability, and banning open burning over ineffective technical solutions like fog cannons. The time to act is now, they warn, before the winter spike in pollution returns as reported by Indian Express.
