Just two days of clean air in December underline Mumbai’s pollution challenge

The skyline, as seen from Mahim, is shrouded in smog. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

The city has recorded two green Air Quality Index (AQI) days this month - December 21 and 24, when the AQI was 91 and 86, respectively, both in the ‘satisfactory' category. The rest of the month saw AQI figures in the ‘moderate' category, with the average AQI for Mumbai in December at 117. In contrast, last year, Mumbai reported AQI in the ‘moderate' category every day in December, with the AQI averaging at 155.

AQI on Sunday

On Sunday, Mumbai reported an AQI of 127, in the ‘moderate' category. Only Kandivli West recorded a ‘poor' AQI of 221, with Ozone as the primary pollutant.

BMC's inspections

After issuing notices to those overseeing the construction of the Bombay High Court building in Bandra East and the bullet train construction site for flouting BMC guidelines to curb air pollution in the city, BMC officials carried out site inspections on Sunday in K East and H East wards, corresponding to Andheri and Bandra East, respectively. The purpose was to ensure effective implementation of ongoing preventive measures to maintain healthy air quality in Mumbai, according to BMC.

In a statement, the BMC said, "Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakne inspected the sites of the bullet train project, Bombay High Court and government housing projects. He also inspected the service road at Kherwadi Junction and reviewed the cleanliness, dust control, and traffic management there."

During the inspection, checks were conducted to ensure that water is sprayed regularly at construction sites, green nets are used to cover materials, covers are used while transporting construction materials, and roads are cleaned mechanically. Instructions have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure norms are especially followed around school areas and densely populated localities.