Pune's Air Quality Worsens Over Five Years, PMC Report Calls for Stricter Action
Despite efforts to promote electric vehicles, Pune's air quality has shown little improvement, according to the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) Environment Status Report (ESR) for 2025-26. The report highlights a gradual increase in concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) over the past five years, raising concerns about public health.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated, “Pune is growing rapidly, and our planning must ensure that development remains environmentally sustainable. This report combines scientific data, departmental performance and citizens’ feedback to help us make informed policy decisions.”
The ESR notes that rapid urbanisation is taking a toll on air quality. It recommends mandatory use of cleaner fuels by commercial establishments, a ban on open burning of waste, and installation of sensor-based dust monitoring systems at large construction sites. These measures aim to curb pollution from multiple sources.
The report's findings underscore the need for stricter enforcement of existing regulations and adoption of additional strategies. While the push for electric vehicles has been a focus, the data suggests that other pollution sources must also be addressed to achieve meaningful improvement.
