Mumbai weather: AQI drops to 'poor' category seven days in a row

A view of the city skyline engulfed in smog, at Girgaon area in Mumbai on Sunday.(Image: PTI)

Mumbai, often referred to as India’s financial capital, is experiencing a concerning surge in air pollution levels, with Air Quality Levels (AQI) falling into the 'poor category' for the seventh consecutive day on Sunday.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s overall AQI was 201 on Sunday morning. The area of Navy Nagar in Colaba experienced the worst air quality, with an AQI of 317. Byculla had an AQI of 303, Worli 295 and Bandra 257. Of the 25 AQI monitoring stations, 10 reported AQI levels classified as “poor” and “very poor”.

According to the CPCB, AQI readings in the range 0-50 are regarded as good, 51-100 are regarded as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor, and above 400 are considered to be severe.

The most significant factor contributing to the current situation in the country's financial capital is the timing of the smog that envelops it. According to a report from the Times of India, a former member of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board noted that the smog usually clears by 9:30 AM. However, in recent days, it has lingered longer, often remaining until 11 AM or later.

What’s causing the rise?
Experts have pointed to a combination of factors contributing to the deteriorating air quality.

Weather Changes: A shift in wind patterns and lower temperatures have trapped pollutants closer to the ground, preventing dispersion.

Construction Activity: The ongoing infrastructure projects in the city, including the ongoing Metro projects, have increased dust and particulate matter in the air.

The current number of infrastructure projects is at around 11,000 projects. That number is even higher if one includes infrastructure developments. The R Central ward has the highest number of construction sites at 942, while the K East ward follows closely with 933, and the K West ward has 815. Central suburbs: 45 skyscrapers are being built, then in Western suburbs, about 30 towers are set to be finished in the upcoming six years. In Thane, about 59 towers are currently being constructed and in Navi Mumbai about 15 buildings are at different stages of development, according to a Hindustan Times report.

Vehicular Emissions: With a significant rise in traffic post-pandemic, Mumbai has a large number of private vehicles, numbering around 1.2 million, according to the Times of India.

Other factors: Changes in wind patterns, cooling ocean surfaces, dust particles, and contamination from oil are significant contributors to the unprecedented pollution levels in Mumbai.

Health Impacts
The rising pollution levels pose a serious health risk to residents. Prolonged exposure to high AQI levels can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and other chronic conditions. Vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.

Mitigation Efforts
Authorities have announced several measures to tackle the situation, including intensifying dust control measures at construction sites, promoting public transport to reduce vehicular emissions, and increasing green cover in urban areas to act as natural air purifiers. Citizens are also being urged to do their part by carpooling, reducing the use of personal vehicles, and avoiding activities that contribute to air pollution.