Pimpri Chinchwad Records Highest Air Pollution Levels In Maharashtra As AQI Stays ‘Poor’
Pimpri Chinchwad Records Highest Air Pollution Levels In Maharashtra As AQI Stays ‘Poor’
Pune, December 16, 2025: Pimpri Chinchwad has emerged as one of the most polluted cities in Maharashtra after its air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘poor’ category for several consecutive days, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CPCB monitors air quality across 28 locations in the state through stations operated by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Recent daily readings indicate that the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area recorded the highest pollution levels among all monitored locations.
Data shows that during the first half of December, Pimpri Chinchwad’s AQI crossed the 200 mark on seven out of 14 days. Particulate matter—PM2.5 and PM10—was identified as the primary contributor to the deteriorating air quality.
Experts attribute the high pollution levels mainly to emissions from large-scale construction activity, ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants, and industrial operations. Pimpri Chinchwad is a major industrial hub, particularly for automobile-related manufacturing, which adds to the overall pollution load.
During the same period, pollution levels in Pimpri Chinchwad were consistently higher than those within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits. While Pune’s AQI ranged between 202 and 215 on six days, Pimpri Chinchwad recorded AQI levels between 206 and 242.
PCMC Environment Department said the civic body has already implemented several pollution control measures. Mist fountains, air bins, and mechanical road-cleaning systems have been installed and activated. Action is also being taken against RMC plants and construction sites found violating pollution norms.
Although PCMC introduced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) last year, it has not yet been activated. He clarified that vehicular emissions are the main source of PM2.5, while construction activities, RMC plants, and waste burning contribute largely to PM10. The civic body is promoting electric vehicles to curb vehicular pollution.
PM2.5 is largely caused by combustion-related activities such as vehicle emissions and open burning, while road dust and construction activities are the main sources of PM10.
