According to CPCB and IITM data, Pune’s overall air quality slipped into the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 201 on Monday and Tuesday. In certain areas, especially Wakad and Hinjewadi, pollution levels escalated further. Bhumkarnagar in Wakad recorded an AQI of 314 on Sunday, placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ category. At 4 pm the same day, the average concentration of fine particulate matter PM2.5 stood at 307, while PM10 levels were recorded at 251. Nitrogen dioxide levels were measured at 20, and ozone concentration stood at 83.
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-22 at 9.38.32 AM
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-22 at 9.38.32 AM
“The air quality index reached 314 in Bhumkarnagar in Wakad on Sunday. This is a very poor level of air, and if you stay in this air for a long time, you can develop respiratory problems,” the report noted.
The situation has been worsening steadily over the past few days. The AQI in Bhumkarnagar ranged between 242 and 287 from Monday to Thursday last week. Pollution levels spiked from Friday onwards, with AQI touching 324 on Friday, 300 on Saturday, and remaining at 314 on Sunday. The area has reportedly recorded ‘very poor’ air quality five times this month, three of which occurred in the past week alone.
Other parts of Pune have also seen a significant rise in pollution. MHADA Colony in Lohgaon recorded an AQI of 311, while Hadapsar stood at 295 and Revenue Colony in Shivajinagar recorded 269, all indicating poor to very poor air quality.
Experts say fine particulate matter PM2.5 has emerged as the dominant pollutant this winter. Of the 13 air quality monitoring stations across the city, data from eight stations was considered for the 24-hour average, with PM2.5 consistently exceeding safe limits.
Doctors across Pune are reporting a noticeable increase in pollution-related illnesses. “Air pollution can aggravate asthma and lead to pneumonia. People may experience early symptoms such as running nose, fever and cough. The cough does not stop early. It can last for two to three weeks. Even if patients undergo tests such as hemograms and blood investigations, the results often come back normal,” doctors said.
Medical experts have warned that winter weather conditions further intensify the impact of air pollution. Stagnant air during early mornings traps pollutants closer to the ground, increasing exposure risks. “Morning hours are the most polluted due to stagnant air. Exposure during this time significantly increases health risks,” doctors pointed out, adding that children, senior citizens, people with asthma, and those stepping out early for walks, school, college, or work are particularly vulnerable.
Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10, doctors said, can trigger or worsen chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma and walking pneumonia. Hospitals in Pune are reportedly witnessing a surge in respiratory complaints compared to previous years.
Urbanisation has been identified as one of the key contributors to the worsening air quality. “The pace of urbanization in the Pune area is tremendous. A large number of housing projects are underway in and around the city. Due to the dust spread from these projects, air pollution is continuously increasing,” the report stated. Most of the construction activity is concentrated in Wakad and Hinjewadi, where several ready-mix concrete projects are operational, contributing heavily to dust pollution.
Neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad has fared slightly better but remains at risk. The area recorded ‘moderate’ air quality with an AQI of 161, driven largely by PM2.5 levels, according to CPCB data. IITM’s air quality early warning and decision support system had forecast that Pune’s air quality was likely to remain in the ‘moderate’ category between December 24 and 26, but ground-level data suggests conditions have deteriorated beyond expectations.
As Pune moves deeper into the winter season, experts warn that without immediate intervention, air quality may worsen further, posing sustained health risks to the city’s residents.
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