Pune’s air quality has remained in the moderate category for three consecutive days across several parts of the city, with SAFAR-IITM readings showing elevated pollution levels in Hadapsar, Viman Nagar, Pashan, Shivajinagar and the Pune University area.
The air quality index stood at 144 in Hadapsar, 113 in Mhada Colony-Viman Nagar, 112 in Pashan, 122 in Shivajinagar and 126 at Pune University, according to the data cited by Punekar News. All five locations were classified in the moderate category.
The deterioration has been reported before the usual winter-related rise in pollution. Changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations have contributed to the worsening air quality, while dry weather has increased the visibility and persistence of dust and haze across public spaces.
Construction activity is among the factors identified as contributing to the pollution. Ready-mix concrete plants, stone-crushing units, open waste burning and vehicular emissions have also been cited as sources adding to particulate pollution in different parts of Pune.
The reported readings cover areas with different urban conditions, from dense and heavily trafficked parts of central Pune to rapidly developing residential and industrial zones. Hadapsar and Bhosari, in particular, are experiencing the combined effects of construction, vehicle movement and other activities that can generate fine dust and particulate matter.
The pollution has become increasingly visible in the form of dust and haze, making outdoor movement uncomfortable, according to the report. The impact is particularly concerning for residents with respiratory illnesses. The report also noted an apparent rise in related health problems, although it did not provide hospital or public-health department figures to quantify that increase.
The latest readings underline the role of routine urban activity in Pune’s air-quality conditions. Pollution is not limited to a seasonal winter episode; emissions and dust from construction sites, transport, industrial operations and waste burning can affect air quality during dry periods as well.
The cited data does not establish whether the moderate readings will persist or worsen across the city. Continued monitoring of SAFAR-IITM readings, construction-related dust controls, waste-burning incidents and emissions from vehicles and industrial units will determine how the situation develops in the coming days.
