Hey Puneites, did you know that last year, the city faced high levels of air pollution for a whopping 10 months? Yes, you read that right! Only July and August managed to stay pollution-free. This alarming statistic was revealed by former Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change member, Suresh Chopane.
The worst traffic congestion and pollution hotspots in Pune are Shivajinagar and Swargate areas. The polluted air is not only causing discomfort but also leading to respiratory diseases among the citizens. It’s hard to believe that Pune, once known for its clean air as a hill station, is now struggling with pollution.
Breathing in Pune for just a day is equivalent to smoking 2.8 cigarettes! That’s a scary thought, isn’t it? The rise in air pollution is attributed to the increase in vehicles, construction activities, and the burning of fossil fuels. Dr. Swapnil Kulkarni, a pulmonologist, emphasized the need for concrete policies to combat this issue.
According to the data, last year saw a total of 211 days with high pollution levels, with an average of 93 days being polluted. February alone had 29 polluted days. The main pollutants contributing to the poor air quality include PM 2.5, PM 10, nitrous oxide, and carbon monoxide.
It’s high time that we take action to tackle this pressing issue. Increasing the use of public transport, wearing masks while traveling, enforcing strict rules for construction sites, and phasing out old vehicles are some of the steps that can help in improving Pune’s air quality. Let’s come together to breathe fresh air and make Pune a healthier place to live in.
Thanks For Reading Report of Punepress.com