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Tier II cities such as Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad are at the top of the pollution levels, indicating air quality concerns beyond major urban areas.
In Mumbai, PM2.5 levels increased by more than 50 percent after Diwali, with areas like Sewri and Malad West seeing the highest spikes. (PTI)
Delhi may have earned the dubious distinction of being the country’s air pollution capital over the years, but Mumbai seems to be moving up the less desirable list, with the latest air quality parameters after the Diwali parade.
As part of Respirer Living Sciences’ AtlasAQ platform, the report analyzed air quality data for Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur before, during, and after Diwali 2024. Using air quality monitoring data from October 30 (before Diwali ), October 31 (Diwali ), and November 1 (post-Diwali), the study sought to assess the impact of festival-related pollution on particulate matter levels (PM2.5 and PM10).
According to a study, in Mumbai, PM2.5 levels increased by 50 percent after Diwali, with areas like Sewri and Malad West seeing the highest spikes. This trend has also been seen in Pune, with a significant increase in Hadapsar and Shivaji Nagar. Ram Nagar and Ambazari in Nagpur recorded an increase of 80 percent, indicating persistent sources of pollution.
Another cause for concern was that tier II cities such as Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad had higher pollution levels, indicating air quality concerns beyond major urban areas and highlighting the need for effective pollution control measures during the festive season.
MUMBAI
Mumbai recorded a 50.3 percent rise in PM2.5 levels from October 30 to November 1, rising from 57.46 µg/m³ to 86.39 µg/m³. The Sewri area experienced the highest increase in PM2.5 in Mumbai, with levels jumping 105.8 percent from October 30 to October 31 and 5.4 percent on November 1, representing a 116.9 percent increase, the report shows.
In Malad West, PM2.5 levels increased by 67.9 percent on Diwali and rose another 65 percent after the festival, resulting in a total increase of 177.2 percent. In Kandivali West, PM2.5 increased by 89.6 percent on Diwali, and increased by 3.9 percent on November 1, including an increase of 97 percent within three days. Significant increases were also observed in Byculla (36.4 percent), Chembur (51.2 percent), and Deonar (67.2 percent).
PUNE
Pune’s PM2.5 increased by 19.7 percent, while PM10 levels increased by 14.3 percent between October 30 and November 1.
Revenue Colony-Shivajinagar recorded the biggest increase, with PM2.5 levels rising by 55.6 per cent after Diwali, resulting in a three-day total rise of 58.3 per cent. In Hadapsar, PM2.5 levels increased by 56.3 percent on November 1, marking the biggest post-Diwali increase. Apart from this, Alandi, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and Bhumkar Nagar have seen a significant increase.
NAGPUR
Nagpur registered more than 80 percent rise in PM2.5 in key areas, while Mahal and Ram Nagar were worst affected. PM2.5 levels in Nagpur increased by 53.5 percent after Diwali, while PM10 increased by 43.1 percent. Mahal saw a significant increase of 80.9 percent in PM2.5 from before Diwali, while PM10 levels increased by 79.6 percent. Ram Nagar, Ambazari are other worst affected areas.
Tier II cities such as Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad were far behind in pollution levels, indicating that the rise in air pollution was no longer limited to urban areas.
On November 1, Dhule recorded the highest PM2.5 level among Maharashtra’s cities, reaching 137.25 µg/m³, highlighting serious air quality concerns. Nanded and Pimpri-Chinchwad followed with PM2.5 levels of 129.90 µg/m³ and 125.62 µg/m³, respectively, while cities like Ahmednagar (123.73 µg/m³) and Parbhani (122.67 µg /m³) also reported the highest proportion.
Mumbai, which is often scrutinized for its air quality, is ranked 20th on this list, with a lower PM2.5 concentration of 86.39 µg/m³ than other cities. Despite varying levels across the state, these readings show high post-Diwali pollution in all urban centers, underscoring the continued need for air quality monitoring and mitigation efforts.
ANNUAL ANALYSIS
According to the report, in Mumbai, post-Diwali PM2.5 levels showed a mixed trend in different areas in 2024 compared to previous years.
Malad West saw a significant increase in PM2.5, increasing by 50.5 percent compared to 2023, reaching 194.54 µg/m³ in 2024. In contrast, other areas like Powai and Deonar have shown a decrease in PM2.5 levels. Powai had a significant decline of 44.6 percent, and Deonar saw a marginal decline of 3.8 percent compared to 2023. These trends highlight spatial variation in air quality improvement and air quality deterioration within Mumbai, which is influenced by many factors such as local emissions and seasonal climate changes.
Commenting on the study, Ronak Sutaria, CEO and founder, Respirer Living Sciences, said: “Post-Diwali air quality data across Maharashtra, particularly in cities like Dhule, Nanded, and -Pimpri-Chinchwad is the most polluted, showing strong PM2 spikes over major urban centers like Mumbai and Pune. it increases by 50 percent in some regions.
“Such concentrated pollution not only increases respiratory problems in vulnerable groups but also shows the growing need for effective air quality measures and public awareness across Maharashtra. These measures are important to protect health in times of high air pollution and ensure clean air for all citizens, from big cities to small towns. “
Respirator Living Sciences Pvt. Ltd is India’s leading climate technology startup, dedicated to achieving clean air and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
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