Nagpur: Nagpur recorded the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) among major cities in Maharashtra on Sunday night, November 8, raising concerns over deteriorating air quality in the city. According to readings reported at 9 PM, Nagpur’s AQI stood at 217, higher than Pimpri-Chinchwad’s 197 and Pune’s 161.
The figures placed Nagpur at the top of the state’s city-level air pollution readings, highlighting the growing air quality concerns in the region.
Nagpur Ahead of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
The comparative AQI readings across Maharashtra’s major cities at 9 PM on Sunday were:
| City | AQI |
|---|---|
| Nagpur | 217 |
| Pimpri-Chinchwad | 197 |
| Nashik | 177 |
| Pune | 161 |
| Navi Mumbai | 150 |
| Mumbai | 130 |
The readings indicate that Nagpur’s AQI was 20 points higher than Pimpri-Chinchwad and 56 points higher than Pune.
Bhosari Records AQI of 236
While Nagpur topped the city-level comparison, Bhosari in Pimpri-Chinchwad recorded an AQI of 236, the highest among the individual monitoring locations mentioned in the report.
Other affected locations in Pimpri-Chinchwad included Savata Mali Nagar (225), Gavalinagar (221) and Thergaon (215).
Dry Weather Contributing to Pollution
The report attributed persistently elevated pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad partly to dry weather conditions. The absence of rainfall meant that suspended pollutants were not being naturally washed out of the atmosphere.
Nagpur’s AQI of 217 falls in the ‘Poor’ category under the Central Pollution Control Board’s National AQI classification (201–300). Prolonged exposure at these levels can cause breathing discomfort to people, including those without pre-existing respiratory conditions.
With the post-Diwali period also bringing concerns over emissions from firecrackers, vehicle exhaust, road dust and other sources, Nagpur’s latest reading raises questions about the city’s air pollution levels and the need for closer monitoring.
The AQI figures were reported using data from the SAMEER mobile application managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
