Mumbai's Air Pollution Crisis Worsens Ahead of Diwali
As the monsoon recedes, Mumbai's air quality has worsened ahead of Diwali, leaving residents with respiratory issues bracing for challenging days. The city recorded an average moderate pollution level of 140 (Air Quality Index) on Monday evening, with wind speed decreasing substantially. The eastern suburbs and business hubs were particularly affected, with some areas showing AQI levels close to poor, prompting concerns among health experts.
Key Takeaways:
- The city recorded an average moderate pollution level of 140 (AQI) on Monday evening, with 24 out of 26 suburbs in non-satisfactory to poor AQI zones.
- The eastern suburbs and business hubs, including BKC (200), Mazgaon (162), Navy Nagar Colaba (182), Vasai W (168), Malad W (163), and Deonar (160), showed close to poor AQI levels.
- Kandivli W (251) topped the charts as the only suburb in the poor AQI zone.
- The abrupt increase in atmospheric moisture and reduction in wind velocity result in dust and smoke remaining suspended in the atmosphere, causing AQI levels to rise.
- Experts warn that six to eight hours of exposure to poor AQI can affect human health, particularly the respiratory tract, while 16 hours of exposure can have adverse effects on the human body.
- The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is implementing measures to close polluting installations and construction-related activities in suburbs with poor AQI.
Statistics:
- 24 out of 26 suburbs in non-satisfactory to poor AQI zones (Source: unnamed sources)
- 140 (AQI) recorded on Monday evening (Source: unnamed sources)
- 200 AQI in BKC (Source: unnamed sources)
- 162 AQI in Mazgaon (Source: unnamed sources)
- 182 AQI in Navy Nagar Colaba (Source: unnamed sources)
- 168 AQI in Vasai W (Source: unnamed sources)
- 163 AQI in Malad W (Source: unnamed sources)
- 160 AQI in Deonar (Source: unnamed sources)
- 251 AQI in Kandivli W (Source: unnamed sources)
Sources:
- Unnamed sources
- Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials