Pune Air Pollution: Shivajinagar Records Highest Particulate Matter Level; 4 Times Higher than Permissible Limit

Pune’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI), which was 180 on November 5 and put it in the “poor” category, has improved slightly over the past 24 hours to fall into the “moderate” category. At 6 p.m. on November 6, the SAFAR-IITM real-time monitoring system recorded an AQI of 146. Nonetheless, Shivajinagar registered the highest levels of air pollution with PM 2.5 being the main culprit at 283 micrograms per cubic meter.

The data showed that the city’s air quality went from being poor to moderate in the previous 24 hours, with a slight improvement. Still, there is a risk to human health from this. The amount of pollutants in the city exceeded the allowable limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). PM 2.5 was the main cause of air pollution, and it was almost four times higher than allowed in Shivajinagar.

Fine (smaller) particles are called PM 2.5. They are more dangerous because they can get into the deep parts of your lungs — or even into your blood.

The actual level was recorded as 283 on November 6, despite the standard limit for this pollutant being 60. PM 2.5 was also one of the main causes of air pollution in other places. The range of the pollutant level was 90 to 135. Other than this, nitrogen oxide was the main cause of air pollution.

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According to the Automotive Research Association of India’s (ARAI) air pollution inventory, vehicle emissions or the transportation sector can account for up to 20% of PM 2.5. The following sectors contribute to PM 2.5 generation: road dust (19%), industries (19%), agricultural waste (10%), construction activities (12%), and diesel generator set (4%).

Following are the area-wise particulate matter levels (PM 2.5):

• Shivajinagar – 283
• Hadapsar – 132
• Lohegaon – 126
• Kothrud – 105
• Katraj – 100
• Pashan – 90

Shreyas Vange

(Source – HT)

IMG-20250103-WA0015

IMG-20250103-WA0015