MC Explains: Is Mumbai facing an air quality crisis?

Smog engulfs Bandra-Worli sealink on October 19

In the fight between Delhi and Mumbai, the latter is winning but not for a good reason. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board, as of 4 pm on October 19, Mumbai had an average AQI (air quality index) score of 156 while New Delhi was at 121.

The financial capital has been waking up to a thick blanket of smog owing to a rapid increase in construction activities. According to experts, the situation could worsen, setting the stage for a dangerous winter season.

Why is the air quality worsening?

The ongoing infrastructure projects as well as large-scale building construction and demolition works have spurred dust particles in the air impacting the health of people. “A combination of high moisture and dust is caused due to the multiple redevelopment and construction projects that are operational across the city,” India Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Sushma Nair told Moneycontrol.

“There is moisture, anti-cyclonic wind circulation which does not allow the wind to ascend. The anti-cyclone is right over Mumbai,” she added.

“Every year after the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon, PM2.5/PM10 increases due to low night temperature under clear sky conditions as well as due to soil becoming dry in the absence of rains. Vehicular movement raises ground dust and increases PM10,” said Dr B S Murthy, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.

What measures can the authorities take?

Earlier this year, policy influencing think tank Mumbai First suggested a slew of measures that the authorities can undertake to address the situation. Among the key solutions provided by the think tank include stopping open refuse burning and landfill site burning, tackling road dust from paved and unpaved roads, controlling emissions from bakeries and crematoria, etc.

“The only way to reduce air pollution and increase air quality in urban areas is to reduce emissions at the source, adopting eco-friendly technologies, usage of renewable energies, etc,” Murthy said.

In February this year, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) adopted an action plan to impose stringent measures and control the air pollution levels in the city. The civic body had outlined guidelines that include installing air purifiers in the most crowded areas of the city.

Can the deteriorating air quality aid the air purifier industry?

Trends data from Google showed that the search interest for air purifiers was the highest in Maharashtra compared to the rest of India in the past seven days. Shopping websites such as Amazon.com are providing attractive discounts on air purifier products as concerned citizens are snapping up the product to enhance indoor air quality ahead of the festive season.

“Mumbai needs to implement dust management, as there is a lot of construction being undertaken in the city at the moment and that is contributing significantly towards air pollution in the city,” said Rishi Aggarwal, founder, Mumbai Sustainability Centre.