The weather technology startup released a report on Friday that identified the pollution hotspots in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with PM2.5 levels in some areas exceeding national safety standards.
The report uses data from the Google Maps Air Quality API, part of Google Air View+, and the AtlasAQ platform.
PM2.5 – particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter – is a major contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which adversely affect public health.
“The aim of this report was to highlight pollution trends in 10 major cities in India using hyperlocal monitoring techniques from November 1-30, this year,” said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO of climate-tech startup Respirer Living Sciences. said.
The report provides a 500×500 meter resolution of air quality trends. This new technology has revealed pollution patterns that provide useful information for policy makers, city planners, and citizens, Sutaria pointed out.
Traffic congestion, urbanization, and rapid industrialization have been identified as major contributors to polluted areas in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In Pune, Revenue Colony (Shivajinagar), Hadapsar, and Transport Nagar-Nigdi have emerged as pollution hotspots, with PM2.5 levels ranging between 60-100 µg/m³ in the affected areas. Meanwhile, Pimpri-Chinchwad – Thergaon, Savta Mali Nagar, and Gavalinagar recorded PM2.5 levels above 115 µg/m³.
According to Professor Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Chairman, Steering Committee, National Clean Air Program (NCAP), hyperlocal air quality monitoring closes the gap between conventional monitoring and local realities of air pollution. “By providing good, real-time data, this method enables us to pinpoint pollution sources with precision and design targeted interventions that can improve public health outcomes,” he said.
MPCB, district collector urged to avoid allowing RMC plants, brick stoves
Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, said agencies like civic administration, PMRDA, and others will have to work together to improve air quality. “As a preventive measure, we have written to the district collectors and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board authorities to stop allowing new Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants and brick burning. Dust from RMC plants can settle in neighboring buildings, residences, and even water sources that affect health. Measures under the Limited Response Plan (GRAP) to deal with air pollution have been taken. At PCMC, we have 35 air quality analysts as part of the monitoring function,” he said.
Mangesh Dighe, Environment Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation, said that there are two more air quality monitors out of the 13 that are there to detect and report air pollutants.
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