Nagpur: Dry weather and falling night temperatures have begun affecting Nagpur’s air quality, with the AQI reaching a moderate 114 on Tuesday. With Diwali approaching, experts warn that further temperature drops in Nov, coupled with firecracker emissions, could worsen pollution levels.
The city’s AQI was higher than Mumbai’s 111 and Chandrapur’s 97, according to the CPCB bulletin issued at 4pm on Oct 21. Pune recorded an AQI of 118. PM10 concentrations peaked at 148 µg/m³ at Ambazari and Ram Nagar, followed by 146 µg/m³ at Mahal and 132 µg/m³ at GPO Civil Lines, according to pollution control board data. Some have prolonged respiratory infections lasting 10-15 days,” he said.
Enforcing agencies need to implement the graded action plan to bring air quality under control,” she said. The high readings at Ambazari and Ram Nagar were notable given their substantial green cover. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regional officer Hema Deshpande attributed the deterioration to multiple factors. “Increase in traffic, dry weather, open burning of solid waste and cracker bursting are among the major reasons for the fall in ambient air quality. “Air pollution particularly affects asthmatic patients. Many are reporting worsening respiratory symptoms, especially an increase in cough intensity.