Sangli recorded the cleanest air quality in Maharashtra while Malegaon is the most polluted city in the state, as per an analysis by a climate tech organisation.
According to an early winter air quality analysis of the 31 cities in Maharashtra, carried out by Respirer Living Sciences (RLS), Kalyan, Chandrapur, Amravati, and Aurangabad recorded cleanest air quality after Sangli.
Meanwhile, Jalgaon, Parbhani, Nagpur and Kolhapur were reported to be the most polluted cities after Malegaon. The metro cities of Pune, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane maintained a moderate air quality by ranking ninth, tenth, twelfth and fourteenth in the report by RLS, an organisation dedicated towards achieving cleaner air and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy.
The cities were ranked on the basis of PM 2.5 concentrations that were recorded in the air between November 1 and 16 — the beginning of winter season, usually known for recording poor Air Quality Index (AQI) as a result of climatic as well as man-made factors.
According to the report, the average PM 2.5 concentration recorded in the polluted cities of Maharashtra ranged between 80 ug/m3 and 105 ug/m3, while cities that recorded clean air recorded average PM 2.5 concentration between 39 ug/m3 and 59 ug/m3.
Malegaon recorded the worst PM 2.5 concentration level at 105.3 ug/m3, followed by 101.6 ug/m3 recorded by Jalgaon, 98.2 ug/m3 recorded at Parbhani, 81.7 ug/m3 at Nagpur and 80.6 ug/m3 at Kolhapur. Mumbai’s average PM 2.5 concentration stood at 62.2 ug/m3, while Thane and Navi Mumbai recorded 69.6 ug/m3 and 67.1 ug/m3 respectively. “Maharashtra’s contrasting air quality requires a region-specific approach. While cities like Sangli demonstrate the benefits of sustainable urban planning, areas like Vidarbha and Marathwada need immediate interventions to address industrial and vehicular emissions,” the report said.
“Enhancing public transportation systems, enforcing stricter pollution controls in industrial zones, and promoting green spaces in polluted regions are critical,” it added.
According to the RLS report, Mumbai, in particular, must focus on reducing vehicular congestion and improving waste management practices to sustain its moderate air quality
“These rankings showcase Maharashtra’s air quality spectrum, with cities like Sangli offering a glimpse of what is possible when urban planning aligns with environmental priorities. Balanced development and environmental health are not mutually exclusive. By focusing on regional solutions, Maharashtra can lead the way in addressing air pollution across diverse urban and rural settings,” said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO of RLS.
Among the cities that recorded cleanest air, Sangli recorded an average PM 2.5 concentration of 39.2 ug/m3, followed by 52.5 ug/m3 at Kalyan, Chandrapur had 56.3 ug/m3, followed by Amravati at 57.3 ug/m3 and Aurangabad at 59.3 ug/m3.
