Nagpur air quality deteriorated to a moderate AQI of 114 on October 21, with PM10 levels reaching 148 micrograms per cubic metre at two monitoring stations as dry weather, traffic, open waste burning and approaching Diwali celebrations added to pollution concerns.
The Central Pollution Control Board’s AQI bulletin issued at 4pm recorded Nagpur’s reading above Mumbai’s AQI of 111 and Chandrapur’s 97. Pune reported a higher AQI of 118. The readings came as dry weather and falling night temperatures began affecting the city’s ambient air quality.
Pollution control board data showed the highest PM10 concentrations in the previous 24 hours at Ambazari and Ram Nagar, both at 148 micrograms per cubic metre. Mahal recorded 146 micrograms per cubic metre, while GPO Civil Lines recorded 132 micrograms per cubic metre.
The elevated readings at Ambazari and Ram Nagar were notable because both areas have substantial green cover. Maharashtra Pollution Control Board regional officer Hema Deshpande attributed the deterioration to several sources, including increased traffic, dry conditions, open burning of solid waste and firecracker use.
“Enforcing agencies need to implement the graded action plan to bring air quality under control,” Deshpande said. She added that falling night temperatures were contributing to the accumulation of PM10 in the air.
The pollution concerns come ahead of Diwali, when firecracker emissions could further affect air quality. Deshpande warned that a further fall in temperatures in November, combined with firecracker emissions, could worsen pollution levels. The report did not specify any additional restrictions or enforcement measures announced by civic authorities.
Doctors said the deterioration was already affecting children, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Paediatric pulmonologist Dr Vivek Charde said several patients had reported increased coughing and prolonged respiratory infections.
“Air pollution particularly affects asthmatic patients. Many are reporting worsening respiratory symptoms, especially an increase in cough intensity. Some have prolonged respiratory infections lasting 10-15 days,” Charde said. He added that inhalers had been restarted or their dosage increased for some asthmatic children. Such patients were advised to avoid dusty environments and take influenza vaccination if they had not already done so.
Residents also reported frequent open burning of solid waste, particularly during the morning. AA Khan, a resident of Borgaon, said irregular lifting of dry leaves and plastic waste was forcing citizens and sanitation workers to burn it. Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s public health engineering officials did not respond to calls from the Times of India.
The immediate response will depend on enforcement agencies implementing the graded action plan, while monitoring stations continue tracking PM10 and overall AQI levels as temperatures fall and Diwali approaches.
