Pune's Diwali Skies: A Breath of Moderate Air Amidst Festive Sparkle

As the vibrant lights of Diwali illuminated Pune, residents breathed a sigh of relative relief regarding the city's air quality. While festivities traditionally bring concerns about air pollution, the main day of Diwali (Sunday) saw Pune's air quality index (AQI) register in the 'moderate' category.

This marks a notable improvement compared to previous years, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the festive sparkle.

According to data released by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Pune recorded an AQI of 144 on Sunday, primarily due to PM2.5 particulate matter.

This 'moderate' status placed Pune in a comparatively better position than other major Indian metros, such as Mumbai, which reported a 'poor' AQI of 213, and Delhi, which unfortunately plunged into the 'very poor' category with an alarming AQI of 352 on the same day.

The journey to this moderate status began promisingly, with Saturday, the day before the main Diwali celebration, recording a 'satisfactory' AQI of 97.

This pre-Diwali cleanliness likely contributed to the more bearable conditions on Sunday. Experts suggest that a combination of meteorological factors and perhaps a slightly reduced intensity of firecracker bursting on the main day itself contributed to this outcome.

However, the celebration isn't entirely without caution.

SAFAR had predicted that despite the moderate conditions on Sunday, an increase in firecracker activity later that night and into Monday could push the air quality into the 'moderate' to 'poor' category. The day of Bali Pratipada (Monday) often sees continued firecracker usage, leading to a potential deterioration of air quality in the subsequent hours.

For those with pre-existing health conditions, especially individuals suffering from lung diseases, asthma, or heart conditions, a 'moderate' AQI still warrants attention.

The health advisory for this category suggests that such individuals should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. While the general population might not experience immediate effects, prolonged exposure to moderate pollution can still have subtle impacts on respiratory health.

Looking back, Pune's air quality during Diwali has seen fluctuations.

In 2022, the city grappled with a 'poor' AQI of 200, making this year's 144 a significant step forward. Even 2021 recorded a slightly higher 'moderate' AQI of 169. This trend indicates that while there's room for improvement, there's also a possibility of managing festive pollution more effectively.

As the city continues its celebrations, monitoring air quality remains crucial.

The collective effort to choose greener celebrations and be mindful of firecracker use can further contribute to clearer skies, allowing Pune residents to truly breathe easy during the festival of lights.