Pune: As Pune gears up for Diwali, experts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) have issued a warning about deteriorating air quality. The forecast indicates a likelihood of light to very light rain in south Maharashtra leading up to the festival of lights, while Pune is unlikely to receive any rainfall.
Dr. BS Murthy, the project director at IITM-SAFAR, has voiced concerns about the upcoming festival’s impact on air quality. He highlighted the effects of high humidity and cloudy skies on pollution levels, explaining that these conditions could lead to a rise in pollution. This rise is attributed to pollutants and particulate matter from firecrackers absorbing moisture in the air and expanding. The increased mass of these particles may hinder their dispersal, causing longer air retention.
Cloudy skies and elevated humidity levels are anticipated around Diwali, resulting in pollution lingering in the atmosphere. Dr. Murthy noted the forecasted low-pressure area over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea around November 8, which might contribute to cloudy conditions in Pune. Although no rain is predicted for November 11-13, the heightened humidity levels could negatively impact air quality, potentially reaching poor levels a day after Diwali.
Anupam Kashyapi, the head of the weather forecasting division at IMD-Pune, observed the already visible partly cloudy conditions and haze in Pune. The haze is primarily a result of increased dust from construction activities, including road repairs and Metro work, combined with vehicular pollution.
The use of firecrackers during Diwali is expected to exacerbate the pollution problem.
Kashyapi further explained that Pune’s horizontal visibility is already poor, not exceeding 2-2.5 km, due to a combination of dust particles and haze, which distorts the air. The city might experience partly cloudy skies before Diwali, with a slight chance of very light rain. However, even if rain occurs, it is unlikely to significantly alleviate pollution, especially considering the added contribution of firecrackers.
