Tier II cities lead Maharashtra's pollution rankings after Diwali

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s post-Diwali air quality data reveals a significant shift in pollution levels, with Tier II cities such as Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad recording the highest PM2.5 concentrations in the state.

This analysis, conducted through the AtlasAQ platform by Respirer Living Sciences Pvt Ltd., highlights the extensive impact of festival-related emissions on smaller cities, where PM2.5 levels have spiked beyond those observed in traditional metro areas like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

"Ranking as the most polluted city in Maharashtra post-Diwali,

Dhule’s PM2.5 levels surged to 137.25 μg/m3 on 1 November, underscoring severe pollution in the aftermath of Diwali,” according to a press statement.

In contrast, while Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur also saw post-Diwali increases, their PM2.5 levels were notably lower. Mumbai recorded 86.39 μg/m3, Pune reached 69.90 μg/m3, and Nagpur hit 109.09 μg/m3, indicating that pollution levels in these metro areas were outpaced by those in Tier II cities. This shift underscores that the impact of festival-related emissions is increasingly felt in smaller cities, stressing the need for focused air quality management beyond Maharashtra’s metropolitan centres.

Ronak Sutaria, CEO and Founder of Respirer Living Sciences said: “Post-Diwali air quality data across Maharashtra highlights a critical shift, with Tier II cities like Dhule, Nanded, and Pimpri-Chinchwad leading in PM2.5 levels, even surpassing traditional metro hubs. This data underscores that the effects of pollution are not confined to large urban centres but extend across Maharashtra’s landscape, impacting millions in smaller