Several Maharashtrian cities, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and Nashik, are experiencing poor air quality due to weather changes, vehicle emissions and firecracker burning. According to AQI’s real-time data on Wednesday morning, these cities ranked among the state’s most polluted areas. Maharashtra maintained a ‘Moderate’ air quality category with an index score of 94. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about the air quality in major Indian cities.
Air Quality Poor In Major Indian Cities Like Delhi And Mumbai
ANI footage from Mumbai’s Bandra Reclamation area showed poor visibility due to pollution and lower temperatures. Most Maharashtra cities have faced moderate to high pollution recently. Central Pollution Control Board or the CPCB data showed slight improvements in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur’s air quality on Tuesday compared to Monday.
Mumbai’s daily average AQI decreased from 153 on 28 October to 96 on Tuesday, whilst Nagpur’s dropped from 146 to 102. A report by Respirer Living Sciences Pvt Ltd revealed rising PM2.5 levels across key Maharashtra cities from 2019 to 2024.
Ten of 19 non-attainment cities showed increasing PM2.5 pollution despite National Clean Air Programme interventions. In Delhi, authorities have intensified efforts to control winter pollution.
Officials Attempt To Enforce Cracker Ban This Diwali
The Delhi Police has registered 79 cases related to firecracker sales and storage, seizing approximately 19,005 kg of fireworks. The government has deployed 77 Revenue Department teams and 300 police teams to enforce the ban.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai reviewed the firecracker ban’s enforcement during a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat. He directed police to collaborate with Resident Welfare Associations, market associations and religious groups to raise awareness.
The ban forms part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan 2024. An order issued on 14 October prohibits the manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks, including online deliveries, until 1 January 2025.
Rai launched the “Diya Jalao, Patake Nahi” campaign, urging the public to avoid fireworks and embrace traditional diya lighting for Diwali celebrations. He emphasised that public cooperation is crucial for pollution control.
On Tuesday, Delhi experienced smog, with several areas recording ‘very poor’ air quality. The AQI exceeded 300 around 7.00 am, according to CPCB data. Anand Vihar registered an AQI of 317, whilst Aya Nagar reached 312. Jahangirpuri reported 308, all classified as ‘very poor’. Chandni Chowk fared better with a ‘moderate’ AQI of 191.
How is the air quality of the place that you’re in? Let us know in the comments section below!
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