• Source:JND
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Pimpri-Chinchwad News: Following the Diwali celebrations, Pimpri-Chinchwad has emerged as one of the most polluted areas in Maharashtra, with PM2.5 levels hitting 125.62 μg/m³ on November 1. While this figure marks a decrease from last year’s alarming 169 μg/m³, it still far exceeds the permissible limit of 60 μg/m³, according to a post-Diwali air quality report by Respirer Living Sciences Pvt Ltd.

The report, developed through the AtlasAQ platform, shows a troubling trend across Maharashtra, particularly in tier II cities like Dhule, Nanded and Pimpri-Chinchwad, which recorded the highest PM2.5 concentrations in the state. The analysis examined air quality data from major cities including Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, assessing pollution levels before, during and after Diwali.

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The Indian Express report quoted, Avinash Dhakne, member secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), acknowledging the typical decline in air quality during festive seasons but noted a growing awareness of the need for cleaner air. In Pune, the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) reported that the overall air quality on November 3 was classified as ‘poor’, with the AQI hovering around 140.

Ronak Sutaria, CEO of Respirer Living Sciences, pointed out the impact of Diwali festivities on air quality. He stressed the need for proactive pollution management, especially in both metropolitan and tier II cities. In Pune, PM2.5 levels at Karve Road rose by 35.7 per cent from the previous year, reaching 90.29 μg/m³, while Hadapsar saw an increase of 56.3 per cent post-Diwali.

The data reveals troubling spikes in PM2.5 levels in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, indicating that festival-related emissions can severely affect air quality, even in rapidly growing urban areas. Sutaria stated the urgency of prioritising pollution control measures to protect vulnerable populations.

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Noise pollution also spiked during Diwali, with MPCB regional officer J S Salunkhe reporting increases of three to four decibels in various locations throughout Pune. Measurements taken before and during the festival showed daytime noise levels in areas like Shantinagar and Laxmi Road exceeded 80 dB, significantly above the permissible limits of 55 dB in residential areas and 65 dB in commercial zones.