Pune: Air Quality Plunges to ‘Poor’ Category Amidst Celebration and Cold Weather
Missing Data On Pune Municipal Corporation's Air Quality Monitoring System Sparks Concerns
Pune’s air quality index (AQI) took a hit on Saturday, dipping to 205 and falling into the ‘poor’ category for the first time since Diwali. The sudden decline in air quality was attributed to a combination of factors, including night bonfires to keep away the cold, low minimum temperatures, and election celebrations that involved firecrackers on Sunday morning.
Experts pointed out that the pollution and weather conditions exacerbated the haze. Temperature inversion, which occurs when temperatures dip at night and cold air gets trapped beneath warm air, acts like a lid, preventing pollutants from dispersing upward. The trapped pollutants then combine with moisture in the air to form a visible haze.
According to an Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) official, Pune’s air quality is expected to improve to ‘moderate’ on Monday and Tuesday. However, conditions are likely to persist for the next two days, as has been happening often over the last few days.
An India Meteorological Department (IMD) official explained, “We’re seeing some moisture incursion combined with dropping minimum temperature. Coupled with elevated pollution levels, such conditions are ideal for haze formation. Pollutants act as condensation nuclei, tiny particles around which water vapor can condense, leading to early morning haze.”
The official added that the situation typically improves as temperature rises during the day, helping break up the temperature inversion layer and allowing pollutants to disperse.
Air Quality Bulletin For Pune On 24.11.2024
1. The overall air quality of Pune was observed in the Poor category with AQI 205 on 23.11.2024.
2. The air quality is likely to be in Poor category on 24.11.2024 and Moderate category from 25.11.2024 to 26.11.2024.
Medical professionals reported an increase in respiratory complaints across the city. They advised citizens, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities in the early morning hours when the haze is most dense and to wear appropriate masks when venturing out.
According to the Doctor, “The haze is responsible for irritation, redness, and watering of eyes, as well as cough and breathing issues, especially in the elderly, children, asthma patients, and people prone to allergic bronchitis.”
