According to the latest Environment Status Reports (ESRs) by the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations, air and water quality in both cities has significantly worsened due to rapid urbanisation, growing industries, and changing lifestyles.

The reports reveal increased air pollution, noise, and dust levels, exceeding the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board limits. Major causes include more vehicles, unchecked construction, and poor enforcement. PMC released its ESR last week, while PCMC followed on Tuesday, covering water, pollution, waste management, population, and smart city development.

According to PMC’s report, Pune recorded only 52 ‘good air’ days in 2024–25, a steep decline from 79 such days the previous year. Meanwhile, ‘moderate air’ days increased from 140 to 174, and ‘poor air’ days tripled from one to three. The number of ‘satisfactory air’ days also fell, from 145 in 2023–24 to 137 in 2024–25. No ‘very poor’ or ‘severe’ air days were recorded in either year, though experts warn that the overall trend is alarming.