Pune, a bustling city in Maharashtra, is facing a major issue with its growing vehicle population. In July 2024, the city had a whopping 38,63,849 vehicles on its roads, causing severe traffic congestion and worsening air pollution.
However, there is a silver lining amidst all this chaos. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are on the rise in Pune, with more and more residents opting for cleaner modes of transportation. In 2023, a total of 2,93,471 vehicles were added to the city, out of which 1,08,073 were EVs. Additionally, 80,000 vehicles complied with BS VI standards, showing a positive trend towards reducing emissions.
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has also taken steps to address the city’s air pollution issue by introducing CNG and e-buses into its fleet. Out of the 1,887 buses in operation, 1,187 ran on CNG and 473 were e-buses. This shift towards cleaner energy sources has helped reduce carbon emissions by around 7,000 tonnes.
Despite these efforts, the Environment Status Report (ESR) 2024 of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) revealed that Shivajinagar was the most polluted locality in the city in 2023. The area had the highest ratio of PM10, indicating poor air quality for a significant portion of the year.
On a brighter note, Puneites are increasingly turning to solar power and EVs, showcasing a growing awareness of environmental issues. The city also boasts a rich biodiversity, with Kavadipat in the east being home to the highest number of bird species at 263, followed by ARAI Hill with 253 species and Pashan Lake with 236 species.
As Pune continues to grapple with its vehicle population and air pollution challenges, initiatives like the adoption of EVs and cleaner public transportation options offer hope for a cleaner and greener future for the city.
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