A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI) IN SELECTED CITIES OF MAHARASHTRA
Air pollution is a major environmental and public health concern in India, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, vehicular emissions, and construction activities. This study presents a comparative analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI) of five major cities in Maharashtra—Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)—using secondary data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The analysis shows that Mumbai and Pune generally record higher AQI levels due to heavy traffic and industrial activities, while Nashik experiences relatively better air quality. AQI tends to worsen during winter and improve during the monsoon because of seasonal meteorological conditions. The study highlights the need for effective pollution control measures, sustainable urban planning, improved public transport, and continuous air quality monitoring to safeguard environmental quality and public health.