Nagpur: Even if you don’t smoke, the air you breathe in Nagpur may be harming your lungs as much as cigarettes. According to renowned respiratory specialist Dr. Ashok Arbat, the city’s worsening air quality has reached alarming levels, with residents inhaling pollutants equivalent to nearly two and a half cigarettes every day.

Dr. Arbat warns that this is no longer a gradual environmental concern but a serious public health crisis. Since 2020, Nagpur’s air quality has shown a sharp and continuous decline, silently affecting the respiratory health of its population.

Air Quality Index Sees Sharp Rise

The city’s annual average Air Quality Index (AQI) has climbed to 147, marking a significant increase of 40.5 points compared to 2020 levels.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), safe levels of PM2.5 should be between 10–12 micrograms per cubic meter. However, Nagpur’s current levels are 6.8 times higher, raising serious health concerns.

These fine particles can enter the body through the nose, travel deep into the lungs, and even penetrate the bloodstream, increasing the risk of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Major Sources of Pollution

Experts identify multiple contributors to Nagpur’s deteriorating air quality:

• Vehicles: Responsible for approximately 61% of PM2.5 emissions
• Construction and road dust: Contributing 15–19%, especially from cement roads, flyovers, and ongoing infrastructure projects
• Open garbage burning: Releasing toxic gases and further degrading air quality

Rising Health Concerns

Hospitals, including CRIMS Hospital, report a 15–20% increase in respiratory complaints such as:

• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness
• Breathlessness

Patients suffering from Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable, with symptoms worsening due to polluted air. Children and the elderly remain the most at risk.

Preventive Measures Advised

Dr. Arbat recommends that residents take immediate precautions:

• Wear N95 or N99 masks when outdoors
• Avoid stepping out during peak pollution hours
• Stay informed about daily AQI levels

Nagpur’s air pollution is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a growing health emergency. As pollution levels continue to rise, urgent action and awareness are essential to protect the city’s population from long-term damage.