Maharashtra: Pune’s air turns hostile as ‘clean days’ shrink

Rapid urbanisation in Pune has severely affected the air and water quality. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK

According to the latest Environment Status Reports (ESRs) by the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, air and water quality in both cities has significantly worsened due to rapid urbanisation, growing industries, and changing lifestyles.

The reports reveal increased air pollution, noise, and dust levels, exceeding the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board limits. Major causes include more vehicles, unchecked construction, and poor enforcement. PMC released its ESR last week, while PCMC followed on Tuesday, covering water, pollution, waste management, population, and smart city development.

According to PMC's report, Pune recorded only 52 ‘good air' days in 2024-25, a steep decline from 79 such days the previous year. Meanwhile, ‘moderate air' days increased from 140 to 174, and ‘poor air' days tripled from one to three. The number of ‘satisfactory air' days also fell, from 145 in 2023-24 to 137 in 2024-25. No ‘very poor' or ‘severe' air days were recorded in either year, though experts warn that the overall trend is alarming.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad, noise pollution has worsened in major areas such as Talwade, Bhosari MIDC, Pimpri Camp, Pimple Saudagar, metro corridors, markets, and malls. These zones consistently record sound levels above permissible limits, especially in industrial and high-traffic locations.

The Environment Status Reports (ESRs) also highlight severe pollution in the region's rivers, the Pavana, Indrayani, and Mula, which together span nearly 60 km through PCMC limits. The Pavana River, flowing through central city areas, is the worst affected due to direct discharge of untreated sewage and domestic waste. The Indrayani River, receiving effluents from northern industrial zones, shows signs of chemical contamination. Although the Mula River is in comparatively better condition, it still faces pollution threats.

A seasonal analysis showed persistently high levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS), particularly during summer when water flow is low. In summer 2024-25, the Pavana's BOD reached 45 mg/l and COD 72 mg/l, far exceeding safe limits, with reduced Dissolved Oxygen (DO), endangering aquatic life.

The Indrayani's BOD rose to 32 mg/l and COD to 64 mg/l, indicating heavy industrial pollution. The Mula recorded lower BOD and COD but saw a spike in TSS during monsoon due to surface runoff. While pH levels remained between 6.5-8.5, they showed fluctuations, reflecting chemical instability. The ESRs conclude that all three rivers exceed CPCB pollution standards and urgently require better sewage treatment, tighter control of effluents, and strict regulatory action.

The Mutha River, which cuts through central Pune, continues to see rising pollution. COD increased from 86.22 mg/l in 2023-24 to 95.27 mg/l in 2024-25, while BOD slightly increased from 27.67 mg/l to 27.71 mg/l. Experts say such high values indicate oxygen-depleting pollutants that damage aquatic ecosystems, potentially causing fish deaths and long-term ecological harm.

Pashan Lake, another critical water body, reported a spike in BOD from 103.81 mg/l to 115.07 mg/l, even though COD decreased marginally from 33.25 mg/l to 32.67 mg/l. These trends point to an increasing organic load, making such water bodies unfit even for non-potable uses.

Sharmila Shirsat, a resident of Nal Stop, said, "The municipal corporation needs to be more vigilant about the environment. Clean air and water are basic necessities, yet there's no strict monitoring of pollution sources. During festivals, it becomes unbearable to stay at home - there's no control over vehicle noise or loudspeakers. The air is so polluted that I can't even walk a short distance without a scarf. We're exhausted by the constant dust, redevelopment, noisy construction, and contaminated water."