Forget Mumbai: These Maharashtra cities had far worse air after Diwali

Maharashtra cities experienced worse air quality after Diwali compared to Mumbai. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Pimpri Chinchwad surpassed 300, while Pune’s levels were 2.5 times higher than the previous year. On November 9, 13 cities in the state fell into the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ categories. This year, all ten cities found themselves in that category, whereas only Nanded was ‘poor’ on the day after Diwall last year.

Inland Maharashtra cities like Pimpri Chinchwad, Nanded, Pune, Malegaon, and Nagpur had the worst air quality. Pimpri Chinchwad topped the list at 301, followed by Nanded at 296, Pune at 288, Malegaon at 273, and Nagpur at 268. These numbers were significantly higher than last year’s figures. For instance, Pune’s AQI jumped from 115 to 288, Malegaon increased from 123 to 273, and Pimpri Chinchwad climbed from 154 to 301.

Mumbai’s AQI of 172 is considered moderate, largely due to the sea breeze that helps disperse pollutants. Atmospheric scientists attribute Mumbai’s better air quality to this sea breeze, whereas Pune, Pimpri, and Nagpur, located far from the sea, face poorer air quality. The El-Niño condition has contributed to slower wind speeds, causing pollutants to linger in the atmosphere.

Local factors, including firecracker use and industrial emissions, particularly in districts like Chandrapur, have exacerbated the situation. Authorities have responded by banning cracker bursting and taking action against violators. In Thane district, a ban on rockets and aerial firecrackers was imposed for public safety, and the Mumbai Fire Brigade received 142 fire-related calls on Diwali night, 137 of which were related to fireworks.