India, Oct. 18 -- Pune's annual average PM10 concentration rose to a seven-year high of 101 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025-26, well above the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, despite the city spending 66% of the funds allocated for air pollution control over the past seven years. The Pune Air Action Hub's air pollution inventory identifies road dust as a major contributor to the city's PM10 pollution, raising questions about the effectiveness of measures undertaken by the civic administration.

According to the Centre's Portal for Regulation of Air Pollution in Non-Attainment Cities (PRANA), Pune received Rs.9.45 crore under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Rs.409 crore under the 15th Finance Commission. ...