Maharashtra is planning to use Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to monitor air pollution in the state more effectively. While addressing the legislative council on Day 3 of Budget Session 2026, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis said that a system based on IoT and AI is necessary to identify all sources of pollution.
“This system can track 100 per cent of pollutant sources, whether government or private, including infrastructure projects,” he said.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) legislator Anil Parab highlighted the issue of air pollution in the Kherwadi area of Bandra, Mumbai. He pointed out that construction work and infrastructure projects were among the main sources of pollutants in the area. Several other members also expressed concern over rising pollution levels in different parts of the state.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde noted that there were anomalies in the Air Quality Index (AQI) data and emphasized that information from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should be used.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted that unless the monitoring system is fully IoT and AI-based and 100 percent monitoring is done, the desired results to tackle pollution will not be achieved and will not work effectively. The government has issued clear instructions for the swift implementation of the system and emphasised that all necessary steps must be taken immediately to ensure it becomes fully operational as soon as possible.
Maharashtra Budget Session 2026: Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde warns against misleading AQI reports
Maharashtra Environment Minister Pankaja Munde cautioned citizens against believing misleading information being circulated about air quality (AQI) levels, alleging that such claims were aimed at creating obstacles in development projects. She urged the public to rely only on official AQI data released through authenticated government platforms.
Addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday, Munde stated that Mumbai is a developing city and has several ongoing infra, private, and government construction projects. The minister further claimed that, compared to last year, the air pollution situation is better this year.
“Recently, someone told me that AQI levels are 600 in Mumbai. I am asking people to follow sites or apps putting out authentic information and not get carried away by misleading data,” Munde stated, adding that a few are trying to give wrong numbers to create a hurdle in development.
(With PTI Inputs)
