Mumbaikars awoke on Monday to a cool November morning, with minimum temperatures dipping below 22 degrees Celsius, yet the pleasant chill was starkly contrasted by a dense, hazardous layer of smog that blanketed the city.
This jarring combination pushed Mumbai's air quality firmly into the "severe" category, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 326 and completely overshadowing any respite from the heat.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported clear skies and a maximum temperature of around 34 degrees Celsius for the day. However, the mild early-morning breeze, which made the city feel unseasonably cool, proved insufficient to disperse the accumulated pollutants.
A grim visibility report from the IMD’s Santacruz observatory highlighted the severity, with the facility recording a significant drop in visibility due to the persistent haze.
The air quality crisis is widespread, affecting both industrial and residential corridors. Data reveals that Chembur was the worst-hit area, registering a severe AQI of 382. It was closely followed by Santacruz East and the Wadala Truck Terminal, which recorded alarming levels of 362 and 355 respectively.
Malad (344) and the commercial hub of Bandra Kurla Complex (342) also languished in the severe category, indicating the pollution’s grip on the city's eastern, western and central sectors.
While marginally better, the air in suburban areas remained a major concern. According to the monitoring data, Kandivali East recorded the city's lowest AQI at 163, which still falls under the "poor" category. Other suburban localities, including Jogeshwari (309), Govandi (313), Borivali East (315) and Mulund West (317), all reported air quality levels classified as severe.
This environmental downturn comes amidst a significant weather shift across Maharashtra. After recording one of its coldest November mornings in 11 years last week, Mumbai experienced a relatively warmer night, with the Santacruz observatory logging a minimum temperature of 21.4 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has indicated that this is a temporary fluctuation, with colder conditions expected to return. The forecast suggests that regions in North Maharashtra and Marathwada are set to become the state's coldest pockets as clear skies and calm winds intensify in the coming days.
The concurrent rise in pollution and fall in temperatures creates a complex challenge for the region. As the state braces for a colder winter spell, the failure to mitigate the smog crisis threatens to compound health risks for millions of residents, turning seasonal relief into a seasonal hazard.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
