As early winter sets in, several cities grapple with the seasonal challenge of deteriorating air quality. The latest air quality analysis using the AtlasAQ platform by Respirer Living Sciences, a climate-tech startup, reveals a stark contrast in air quality across Maharashtra.
Among the 31 cities analysed from November 3 to 16 as stated in an early winter air quality analysis release on Thursday, Sangli emerged as the cleanest city, with an average PM2.5 level of 39.2 μg/m3, falling in the “satisfactory” category.
However across Maharashtra, cities in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, such as Nagpur (81.7 μg/m3) and Malegaon (105.3 μg/m3), ranked among the most polluted, reflecting industrial emissions and urbanisation pressures.
Mumbai, with an average PM2.5 level of 62.2 μg/m3, and Pune with an average PM 2.5 level of 60.3 μg/m3, maintained a position in the “moderate” category, performing better than many other urban centres.
“We monitored PM2.5 levels across 281 cities in the country during the first half of November 2024. India’s air quality exhibits stark regional contrasts, with some cities maintaining impressively low PM2.5 levels while others grapple with hazardous pollution,” Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences, told The Indian Express.
Delhi topped the list of the most polluted cities, with an alarming average PM2.5 concentration of 243.3 μg/m3 over the two weeks. Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh followed closely, with average concentrations of 166.5 μg/m3 and 155.3 μg/m3, respectively.
When asked about Maharashtra rankings, Sutaria said they indicate the state’s air quality spectrum, with cities like Sangli offering a glimpse of what is possible when urban planning aligns with environmental priorities. “However significant pollution in Vidarbha and Marathwada requires the need for targeted action,” Sutaria said.
Among the 31 cities analysed in Maharashtra, Sangli fell into the good air quality category, while the majority, 27 cities, were classified as having satisfactory air quality. However, three cities, Parbhani, Jalgaon and Malegaon, recorded poor air quality, reflecting localised pollution challenges.
“Cities like Nagpur (81.7 μg/m3) highlight the region’s challenges with industrial emissions, particularly from coal and power plants,” Sutaria said. He also explained that in Marathwada, Malegaon (105.3 μg/m3) and Jalgaon (101.6 μg/m3) topped the list of polluted cities, driven by vehicular pollution and industrial activities.
Enhancing public transportation systems, enforcing stricter pollution controls in industrial zones, and promoting green spaces in polluted regions are critical. “By focusing on regional solutions, Maharashtra can lead the way in addressing air pollution across diverse urban and rural settings,” added Sutaria.
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