Journalism of Courage
Pune’s air quality shows little improvement despite push for EVs: PMC report
Civic report flags rising PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels over the past five years.
The report notes that concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) have shown a gradual increase over the past five years and calls for stricter measures to curb pollution. (Express Archives)
Rapid urbanisation continues to take a toll on Pune’s air quality, with the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Environment Status Report (ESR) for 2025-26 showing little improvement in pollution levels and warning of their adverse impact on public health.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said, “Pune is growing rapidly, and our planning must ensure that development remains environmentally sustainable. This report combines scientific data, departmental performance and citizens’ feedback to help us make informed policy decisions.”
The report notes that concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) have shown a gradual increase over the past five years and calls for stricter measures to curb pollution. It recommends mandatory use of cleaner fuels by commercial establishments, a ban on open burning of waste, and installation of sensor-based dust monitoring systems at large construction sites.
The report also highlights a 62 per cent rise in registrations of pure electric vehicles during the year. It notes that the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has expanded its services, with the number of electric buses in its fleet increasing to 535.
Among the city’s six air quality monitoring stations, Shivajinagar and Hadapsar recorded the highest levels of PM10, PM2.5 and NO₂. Data from 2021 to 2025 shows particulate matter pollution has remained a persistent problem, with most monitoring stations recording higher concentrations in 2025.
Five monitoring stations — Shivajinagar, Lohegaon, Katraj, Pune University and Pashan — recorded annual PM10 concentrations exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 60 µg/m³.
The report states that rising PM10 levels reduce visibility, increase dust deposition on buildings, vegetation and other surfaces, and degrade the urban environment. Prolonged exposure also raises the risk of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases.
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The report also notes that annual average PM2.5 concentrations have been rising across Pune due to increasing emissions from vehicles, household waste burning and other human activities. Shivajinagar and Lohegaon have repeatedly recorded PM2.5 levels above the prescribed standard, while Katraj has remained close to or slightly above the limit in some years. Pune University exceeded the annual standard in 2024, though its levels improved to below the limit in 2025.
PM2.5 is considered one of the most harmful air pollutants because its ultrafine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
The report found that average NO₂ concentrations have risen in line with increasing vehicular traffic.
Nitrogen dioxide is a respiratory irritant that aggravates asthma, reduces lung function and increases the risk of respiratory diseases.
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Ground-level ozone (O₃) also showed a steady increase between 2021 and 2025 at Pashan, Shivajinagar, Lohegaon, Katraj and Pune University.
The report, however, notes that average carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations remained stable and within prescribed limits during the period. Shivajinagar has recorded the highest CO levels since 2023, followed by Lohegaon, largely due to traffic congestion and vehicular emissions. Although annual average concentrations remain within standards, the report warns that short-term exposure to high CO levels can reduce oxygen supply in the bloodstream.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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