Daijiworld Media Network - Pimpri Chinchwad

Pimpri Chinchwad, Dec 16: The city has logged the highest pollution levels in Maharashtra, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the ‘poor’ category over several days in December, officials said on Tuesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board data, PM2.5 and PM10 levels have surged due to vehicular emissions, ongoing construction, RMC plants and industrial activity, making air quality a growing health concern for residents.

City authorities, including the environment department of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, have deployed mitigation measures such as mist fountains, air bins and mechanical street cleaning to improve local air conditions. However, plans to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) are yet to be activated, a senior official said.

While vehicular pollution remains the primary cause, NGOs like Parisar also pointed to road dust and combustion sources as contributing factors to the deteriorating air quality. Residents have expressed concern about health impacts, especially on children, the elderly and people with respiratory issues, as pollution levels remain elevated.

This development comes amid increased focus on environmental health in the state, with calls for stronger implementation of pollution control norms and accelerated public awareness campaigns to protect communities from long term exposure risks.