Over the past few days, the residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad city have awakened to an unsettling sight. The morning air, instead of being refreshing and clear, has been thick with visible dust particles, creating a hazy atmosphere reminiscent of dewy mornings.
However, this phenomenon is not due to dew but rather an alarming increase in air pollution. These suspended particles have left the citizens not only grappling with unseasonal October heat but also confronting the mounting issue of airborne dust particles. The escalating levels of these particles pose significant health risks to the respiratory system and other vital organs.
Local tools like “Safar” and AQI (Air Quality Index) apps readily available on the Play Store offer valuable insights into air quality across various areas in Pimpri, Chinchwad, Bhosari, Nigdi, Bhumkar Chowk, and Alandi. These apps indicate that Nigdi presently endures the most polluted air, with today’s AQI reaching a concerning level of 285. An AQI exceeding 200 serves as an unmistakable sign of a significant surge in pollution levels.
The Escalating Air Pollution Issue
The issue of air pollution has been steadily on the rise in Pimpri-Chinchwad city over the past few years, primarily attributed to the increasing urbanization and industrialization. As an alarming reflection of this trend, the Municipal Corporation installed artificial lungs in Pimpri Chowk on January 11, 2023, with the aim of showcasing the air quality in the city. Shockingly, these artificial lungs turned black within a mere month, providing irrefutable evidence of the deteriorating air quality in the city.
The surge in airborne pollutants has been taking a toll on the health of citizens, resulting in colds, coughs, shortness of breath, and various other health issues. The city’s expanding vehicular population and the dust generated by ongoing construction projects play a pivotal role in this problem. Consequently, the residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad are now breathing increasingly polluted air.
Development projects, particularly road repairs and construction activities, are further exacerbating the situation. The dust generated by these ongoing projects has become a persistent nuisance for the city. Additionally, the construction of residential and commercial properties at various locations within the city has significantly increased the release of hazardous substances into the atmosphere.
A Perilous Health Hazard
Pune’s air quality metrics continue to fall short of the World Health Organization’s standards for healthy air. Particulate matter with a size of 2.5 microns, known as PM 2.5, is notably four times more prevalent, contributing substantially to the city’s pollution levels. These fine pollutant particles, measuring 2.5 microns in size, can easily infiltrate the human body through inhalation. Comprising a mixture of ozone, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrates, and dust, these minuscule particles pose a significant health hazard as they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
