While poor visibility and alarming AQI levels have left the city grappling with pollution, Mumbai’s fishing community fears the haze could affect coastal navigation, putting boats and nets at risk.

Low visibility

Devendra Tandel, president, Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kriti Samiti
‘The pollution and haze mainly impact coastal fishing. Fishermen from Cuffe Parade and Worli leave for the sea at 4 am and return by 8 am. When the sunlight is already this dim, the haze can further affect visibility. Poor visibility increases the risk of small boats without GPS colliding with coastal rocks. Many boats also lack radar systems to detect nearby boats and obstacles, putting nets at risk of getting snagged.’