Nagpur's PM2.5 Levels Surge to 190 µg/m³ Amid Greenery
Air quality in Nagpur deteriorates sharply with alarming PM2.5 levels, raising health concerns.
PM2.5 levels exceed 100 µg/m³ in key areas, posing health risks.
Nagpur's overall air quality index rises to 125, indicating worsening conditions.
Experts cite firecrackers and vehicle congestion as major pollution contributors.
The air quality in Nagpur has seen a significant decline, with PM2.5 levels reaching alarming heights on Thursday. Monitoring stations across the city reported levels exceeding those of PM10, particularly in areas like GPO, Ram Nagar, Ambazari, and Mahal. At GPO, PM2.5 was recorded at 190 µg/m³, while Ram Nagar and Mahal reported 186 µg/m³ and 179 µg/m³ respectively, and Ambazari at 142 µg/m³. Such elevated PM2.5 levels, particularly those above 100 µg/m³, can lead to severe respiratory issues for vulnerable populations, including those with asthma.
Historically, PM10 has been the primary pollutant in Nagpur, but the recent surge in PM2.5 levels indicates a more serious health risk. PM2.5 particles, which are 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The overall air quality index (AQI) for Nagpur has also worsened, climbing to 125 on Thursday from 114 the previous day, reflecting a broader trend of deteriorating air quality in the region.
Hema Deshpande, a regional officer with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), expressed concern over the unexpected spike in PM2.5 levels, indicating that further investigation is necessary to understand the underlying causes. Despite attempts to reach out to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials for comments, no responses were received. A former scientist from CSIR-Neeri attributed the decline in air quality to factors such as firecracker usage during recent festivals and increased traffic congestion.
Environmental expert Suresh Chopne highlighted that the growing number of vehicles and the unchecked burning of municipal waste are significant contributors to the rising PM2.5 levels in Nagpur. Leena Buddhe, who focuses on pollution control from power plants, described the early onset of pollution as a “massive wake-up call,” emphasizing that garbage burning and early festive celebrations are creating hazardous conditions. She called for immediate action, including dust control measures and operational electrostatic precipitators at thermal power plants.
In light of these developments, a government official noted that complaints regarding firecracker usage in the Laxmi Nagar area were reported to local authorities, yet no action has been taken. As the city grapples with worsening air quality, urgent measures are needed to address the pollution crisis and protect public health.
