MUMBAI: The winter season’s pleasant chill was accompanied by concerning levels of air pollution in Mumbai. The atmospheric conditions, particularly the reduced wind speed characteristic of winter, created a perfect environment for pollutants to remain suspended in the air. The cooler air masses effectively trapped warmer air from the sea, leading to minimal air circulation and pollutant dispersal.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitoring network revealed troubling air quality readings across Mumbai’s metropolitan region. The situation was particularly concerning as the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 188, placing it firmly in the unsatisfactory category.
The most affected areas showing very poor air quality were Byculla and Colaba, with AQI readings exceeding 300. Following closely behind, several suburbs registered poor air quality readings between 200-300, including Chembur, Mazgaon, Sewri, Shivaji Nagar Mankhurd, and Siddharth Nagar Worli. These areas became hotspots of concern for local environmental authorities.
The pollution levels were also notably high in other parts of the city, with six additional suburbs recording AQI readings in the higher range of the unsatisfactory category (151-200). These included the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Borivali, Terminal 2 airport area, Kherwadi, Malad West, and Vasai West.
Health experts advised residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, elderly individuals, and young children, to take necessary precautions. These included limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, wearing appropriate masks when venturing outside, and ensuring proper ventilation indoors.
Local authorities monitored the situation closely and implemented various measures to control pollution levels. These included regular water sprinkling on construction sites, strict enforcement of dust control measures, and increased monitoring of industrial emissions.
The current weather pattern suggested that these conditions might persist until there was a significant change in wind patterns or temperature. Meteorologists closely tracked these parameters to predict potential improvements in air quality. Until then, residents were advised to stay updated with daily air quality forecasts and follow prescribed guidelines for their safety and well-being.
The situation highlighted the growing need for long-term solutions to address air pollution in urban areas, particularly during winter months when natural weather conditions exacerbate the problem. Municipal authorities were considering additional measures to improve air quality, including enhanced green coverage and stricter emission controls.
