Air pollution continues to be a pressing issue in Maharashtra, with cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Navi Mumbai facing significant challenges, as per a recent report by Respirer Living Sciences Pvt. Ltd. The report analyzed data from the AtlasAQ Platform, focusing on PM₂.₅ levels between 2019 and 2024 in major cities.
Despite efforts under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), 10 out of the 19 “non-attainment” cities in Maharashtra have seen an increase in PM₂.₅ levels. Cities like Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Jalna are still recording levels above safety thresholds, with Navi Mumbai hitting 61.80 µg/m³ in 2023.
Industrial emissions, traffic congestion, and rapid urbanization are cited as primary reasons for the persistent challenges in improving air quality. However, cities like Mumbai and Nagpur have shown improvements, with PM₂.₅ levels dropping significantly in 2024.
CEO of Respirer, Ronak Sutaria, highlighted the need for enhanced pollution control efforts to meet NCAP targets by 2026. Professor S.N. Tripathi, a member of the NCAP Expert Committee, expressed concern over the lack of progress in several cities and emphasized the urgency of adopting advanced air quality management systems.
The report serves as a call to action for policymakers to intensify efforts in curbing air pollution in Maharashtra and ensuring a healthier environment for its residents.
Thanks For Reading Report of Punepress.com