Pune’s Air Quality Index worsens: Residents Advised to Take Precautions

Pune's Air Quality Index worsens: Residents Advised to Take Precautions
Diwali is celebrated with great excitement throughout the state and the country, but the use of fireworks during this time negatively affects air quality. Following the festival, it has been noted that the air quality in Pune and Mumbai has worsened considerably. In the Hadapsar region of Pune, air pollution levels have become hazardous, posing a threat to the health of residents, particularly their respiratory systems.
In Pune, a significant number of firecrackers are ignited during Diwali, which directly impacts the quality of the air. This extensive use of fireworks has led to severe air pollution, with many areas experiencing air quality that is classified as dangerous.
The Central Pollution Control Board has provided data showing the current air quality index, which is as follows:
Shivajinagar – 254
Bhumkar Nagar – 174
Savitribai Phule Pune University – 298
Hadapsar – 281
Mhada Colony in Lohegaon – 154
If the air quality index is between 1 and 100, it means that some air pollutants might be a bit bothersome. However, when the index is between 101 to 200, children and elderly individuals may start to experience respiratory issues. An index range of 201 to 300 indicates that everyone could face serious health consequences, and if it surpasses 300, it can lead to severe health problems.
As for today’s weather in the state, Pune, Satara, Ahilyanagar, Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, and Nanded are expected to have mostly cloudy conditions, while the other 29 districts will see clear weather. The maximum afternoon temperature in Maharashtra is around 33 degrees Celsius, which is typical. However, the morning temperatures are expected to be 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above average, varying by location.