DIWALI EFFECT : Pune AQI Slipped to "POOR"

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Pune city's air turned into the Poor category during Diwali as citizens celebrated Diwali with fireworks. After analysing the data from 19 Nov till 25 Nov, city witnessed a rise in air pollution at least eight of ten SAFAR - IITM air quality monitoring stations in Pune and Pimpri-chinchwad recorded "Poor" air quality.

 As per AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) monitoring chart from the system of Air quality is turned poor when the reading value is between 201 and 300.So far, Pune was in the moderate category but on Diwali it slipped to "POOR", as per MPCB.

According to SAFAR, AQI in Pune was higher than the AQI in Mumbai which was 244.as per the data, the PM 2.5 level in Pune was recorded as 136 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m3), while the PM 10 level was recorded as 229 micrograms per cubic meter (g/m3).

 Air quality was monitored across five locations in the city - Karve road, Katraj dairy chowk (Pune-satara road), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Mhada colony Pune and Bhosari. Areas including Bhosari, Savitribai Phule Pune university (SPPU), Mhada colony recorded poor air quality. The PM 10 level was fairly higher than the standard limit in these areas. meanwhile, Karve road and Katraj areas recorded Moderate air quality, and although the pollutant level in these areas was higher than the standard limit, compared to other areas, it was on a lower level.

Extended exposure to elevated pollution levels may lead to breathing discomfort for many individuals, according to the monitoring body, indicating potential health impacts.the recent degradation in air quality poses health risks, especially during the winter season.