Mumbai Wakes To Layer Of Smog

Parts of Mumbai woke up on Monday morning to a layer of smog lingering in the air as the overall air quality in the city deteriorated. The AQI recorded at 8 a.m. was 131, categorised as ‘Moderate’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. 

A resident said that the city’s pollution was deteriorating and that action needed to be taken. Speaking to ANI, the resident said, “The pollution in the city is getting worse. There are new cars and bikes every day, which is worsening the situation further. We need to take action on time so that we can help future generations.” 

On October 27, the city recorded the worst air pollution level, registering an AQI of 202, classified as ‘poor.’ The ‘poor’ AQI category spans 201-300, which, according to the CPCB, may cause breathing discomfort for most people with prolonged exposure. Several other monitoring stations in the city reported AQI levels in the ‘moderate’ category on Sunday. 

The ‘moderate’ AQI range, from 101-200, can lead to breathing discomfort for individuals with lung, asthma, or heart conditions. A visitor to Marine Drive expressed concern about the area’s rising dust and pollution levels. 

“This pollution is due to ongoing construction work here; it wasn’t like this before. It’s causing health issues. I come here daily because it feels refreshing, but now the dust and pollution have increased,” the visitor told ANI. 

In areas such as Byculla, Chembur, Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl. Airport, Deonar, Ghatkopar, and Kandivali West, AQI was also recorded in the ‘moderate’ category. Meanwhile, Colaba, Kandivali East, Mulund West, and Powai observatories reported AQI levels in the ‘satisfactory’ category. An AQI of 51-100 falls under this category, posing only minor breathing discomfort to sensitive individuals.