Nagpur's residents endured toxic air for a major part of 2025, with pollution levels consistently breaching safe limits across the city, a new analysis of official data has revealed. The study, based on information from the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring System (CAAQMS), paints a grim picture of the city's year-long air quality struggle.
Four Monitoring Centres, One Alarming Trend
The research, compiled by environmental researcher and Green Planet Society president Prof Suresh Chopane, examined data from four key monitoring stations: Ambazari, Mahal, Ram Nagar, and Civil Lines. None of the locations were spared, with air quality failing to meet standards on numerous days throughout all seasons.
Mahal, situated in the city's congested core, emerged as the most polluted hotspot. It suffered through a staggering 180 polluted days in 2025. The centre managed only 35 days where the air quality was classified as 'good'. Winter was especially severe here, with nearly 80 days marked as polluted and 19 as highly polluted, a consequence of vehicular emissions, dust, and poor atmospheric dispersion.
Civil Lines followed closely with 174 polluted days, underlining the intense impact of high traffic density and urban activity. Ram Nagar recorded 154 bad air days, while the relatively greener Ambazari zone still reported 137 polluted days—meaning even this area had over four months of unhealthy air.
Seasonal Peaks and Dominant Pollutants
The analysis highlighted clear seasonal patterns. Summer and winter months proved particularly harsh across the city. For instance, at Ambazari, summer alone accounted for 50 polluted days, including one 'very poor' day. The monsoon season provided the only significant respite, improving air quality temporarily.
The primary culprits behind the city's smog were identified as fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. Carbon monoxide levels also spiked beyond safe limits during peak traffic hours, adding to the toxic mix. These pollutants pose severe risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
A Looming Public Health Catastrophe
Health experts are raising urgent alarms, linking prolonged exposure to this polluted air to a sharp rise in serious illnesses. Hospitals in Nagpur are reporting a steady increase in cases of respiratory ailments, asthma, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. This not only compromises the well-being of citizens but also escalates healthcare costs for families.
Despite Nagpur's inclusion under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which brought financial aid and monitoring infrastructure, Prof Chopane stresses that tangible action on the ground is critically lacking. He calls on civic authorities and elected representatives to treat the situation as a public health emergency.
"Immediate mitigation measures are non-negotiable to ensure sustainable urban development and protect the health of Nagpur's citizens," Chopane asserted. The data makes it clear that without decisive and swift intervention, the city's air quality crisis will continue to choke its residents.
