Pune: Increasing pollution levels lead to deterioration of city’s air quality

Pune, November 13, 2024: This tendency, which normally intensifies during the winter months, is raising concerns among locals and experts alike, as the city struggles with the dual challenges of lowering temperatures and increased pollution.

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are experiencing a reduction in air quality as temperatures fall this winter, with numerous regions experiencing worrying rises in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels. This tendency, which normally intensifies during the winter months, is raising concerns among locals and experts alike, as the city grapples with the dual challenges of lowering temperatures and increased pollution.

Air quality in key areas dips to ‘poor’ levels

By the first week of November, air pollution levels in Pune have dropped significantly. Areas like Ganeshkhind Road and Shivajinagar have been seeing a rise in air quality in the ‘poor’ category for the past one week, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels showing a rise. Other areas like Karve Road, Wakad and Katraj have also seen a rise in pollution levels. Areas in Pimpri like Gawalinagar, Thergaon, Alandi and Nigdi are also reporting equally poor air quality, adding to the pollution woes in the region.

Alarming rise in fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

The rise in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is of particular concern, as these tiny particles can easily enter the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing serious health problems. Experts have long warned that rising PM2.5 concentrations in Pune’s air are dangerous, especially for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses.

Deterioration in air quality during the winter months in Pune is not new. In fact, it has become a common problem over the past few years, as the cold weather traps pollutants in the atmosphere, preventing them from dissipating. However, this year the rise in pollution has come relatively early, and fine dust levels have increased even before the winter season has fully set in.

Impact of construction and vehicle emissions

There are several reasons for the deterioration of air quality in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Ongoing construction work such as road construction and metro development contributes significantly to pollution, as it releases dust and fine particles into the air. Additionally, burning of waste in public places and emissions from vehicles further aggravate the situation. The rise in the number of vehicles, especially in areas like Katraj, Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, Wakad and Hinjawadi, has led to a rise in the emission of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and carbon monoxide.

Pollution levels further rise during winter season

The winter season further aggravates pollution as the air becomes denser due to colder temperatures, which prevents pollutants from rising and remaining in the atmosphere. At this time, emissions from various sources – such as vehicles and construction work – remain in the air, leading to a rise in pollution levels. In contrast, rain during the monsoon washes away pollutants, and light winds in summer help disperse them.

Experts say that if this trend continues, Pune may see even higher pollution levels in the coming months. Last year, Pune experienced a worrying level of pollution during the winter months, and experts predict that it will follow the same path this year as well.

Health effects of rising pollution

The rising pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri can have serious health effects. Exposure to fine and ultrafine dust particles, as well as harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, can lead to respiratory problems, heart diseases, skin problems and irritation in the eyes and throat. Some of these effects are as follows:

Respiratory problems: Exposure to air pollution can lead to an increase in asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases.

Heart diseases: Polluted air increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.

Skin problems: Pollutants can cause skin irritation, early ageing and other cutaneous problems.

Irritation in the eyes and throat: Irritation in the eyes and throat is common due to exposure to high pollution levels.

What can be done?

Experts recommend a few measures to reduce the effects of rising pollution:

Limit outdoor activities: Especially for children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory problems.
Wear a mask: Wearing an N95 or other protective mask can protect you from harmful pollutants.

Reduce vehicle emissions: Authorities and citizens should work together to reduce emissions from vehicles and construction work.

Increase green areas: Expanding green areas in the city can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.