The lack of up-to-date information from Pune’s Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring system has raised concerns among residents and environmentalists. The system, which includes devices installed at 45 locations across the city, has reportedly stopped updating, leaving a gap in critical information about Pune’s pollution levels. This has prompted Vivek Velankar, President of Sajag Nagrik Manch, to call upon the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to ensure daily AQI data is accessible to the public through its website.
The transfer of systems from Smart City to PMC’s Disaster Management Department has resulted in outdated data, with information available only until June 2024. This lack of updated AQI data not only hinders public awareness but also impacts policy-making and citizen engagement in pollution control efforts.
The importance of real-time air quality monitoring cannot be overstated. Daily AQI updates are crucial for public health, as Pune continues to grapple with rising cases of respiratory ailments linked to poor air quality. Accurate data also helps policymakers identify pollution hotspots and implement targeted measures, while encouraging community participation in pollution mitigation.
Velankar has emphasized the significance of making the AQI data accessible and updated regularly, as it was funded by taxpayer money. A formal request has been made to the PMC to resume data publication on the Municipal Corporation’s website, in order to enable citizens to understand the real-time pollution scenario.
Challenges in AQI data management include issues related to data maintenance and updates, resource allocation, and public communication gaps. To address these challenges, recommendations for improvement include immediate data publication, enhanced system maintenance, citizen outreach programs, independent audits, and integration with technology to make AQI data easily accessible to citizens.
By addressing these gaps promptly, the Pune Municipal Corporation can strengthen its efforts to combat pollution and ensure a healthier environment for its residents.
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