Pune: Air Pollution in Pimpri-Chinchwad Reduces Air Quality to Very Poor Category; Understand AQI Levels and Their Impact
Pune, December 02, 2024: Pimpri-Chinchwad has been battling a significant air quality crisis, with areas like Bhosari and Chikhali reporting AQI levels exceeding 300, classifying them in the “very poor” category. On Sunday, predictions by SAFAR-India (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), for Monday suggested AQI could rise to 427 in Bhosari and its surrounding areas, marking “severe” pollution levels, posing risks to public health.
Meanwhile, Pune city displayed a varied AQI range as of this report, with Lohegaon at 141, Shivajinagar at 176, and Wakad at 232, highlighting an overall average AQI of 184. Some regions, like Hadapsar (32) and Kothrud (49), managed to maintain better air quality, falling into the “good” and “satisfactory” categories, respectively.
Understanding AQI Categories and Their Impact
India’s AQI is categorized into six levels: Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. These categories are defined by eight key pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb. Health implications worsen as AQI increases:
- Good (0–50): Minimal impact on health.
- Satisfactory (51–100): Minor discomfort for sensitive individuals.
- Moderate (101–200): Breathing issues for sensitive groups.
- Poor (201–300): Health effects on vulnerable populations.
- Very Poor (301–400): Potential health impacts for the general public.
- Severe (401–500): Health risks for everyone, regardless of health status.
Causes of Rising Pollution in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, and construction dust. Cold weather compounds the problem by trapping pollutants closer to the ground. Residents have reported respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health complaints.
Environmental activists have called for stricter enforcement of pollution controls, including better regulation of emissions, road maintenance, and systematic AQI monitoring. Civic bodies are urged to prioritize preventive measures to tackle this escalating issue.
