A recent report by Respire Living Sciences has painted a concerning picture of air quality in Maharashtra. While some cities have shown improvements, a significant number have experienced deteriorating air quality conditions. This trend is particularly alarming given the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5, a harmful pollutant, has been on the rise in several cities across the state.
Navi Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Jalna have seen a significant increase in PM 2.5 levels, indicating a deteriorating air quality environment. Other cities such as Thane, Badlapur, Ulhasnagar, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Nagpur, and Solapur have also experienced a decline in air quality. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce air pollution by 40% from 2019-20 to 2025-26, is facing challenges in achieving its targets. The deteriorating air quality in many cities highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to combat pollution.
The situation is particularly concerning in Navi Mumbai, where PM 2.5 levels have reached 61.80 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) in 2023. This is well above the safe limits set by the World Health Organization. The rising pollution levels pose a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other health complications. While Mumbai and Nagpur have shown improvements in air quality, the overall trend in Maharashtra is worrying. The deteriorating air quality in many cities underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the issue. This includes implementing stricter emissions standards, promoting cleaner transportation options, and promoting sustainable urban development practices.
