Mumbai recorded lower PM2.5 pollution levels in January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, 2024 and 2023, a study by CREA showed. The city logged more ‘green days’ and fewer moderate pollution days, though PM2.5 levels remain above WHO safety limits
A layer of smog reduces visibility at Marine Drive, on Friday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
Mumbai’s air contained lower levels of PM2.5 in January this year compared to the same period in 2025, 2024, and 2023, according to a study by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
This January, Mumbai’s monthly average of PM2.5 was 48 µg/m³, ranking 187th on the list of most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 concentrations in its air, according to CREA, which studied 248 cities across the country for their PM2.5 concentrations.
Manoj Kumar, analyst from CREA, said, “For this study, we have only considered PM2.5 levels as this is a harmful pollutant. We are not taking AQI levels.”
In January 2026, Mumbai had 28 ‘green days’ where PM2.5 concentrations were between 31µg/m³ and 60 µg/m³, and one green day where PM2.5 concentrations were between 0 and 30. Mumbai reported two days where PM2.5 concentrations were between 61 and 90 µg/m³.
A dense layer of smog reduces visibility at Marine Drive in South Mumbai on February 5. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
In January last year, Mumbai reported 15 days where PM2.5 concentrations in the city’s air were in the ‘moderate’ category, between 61 and 90 µg/m³. The remaining 16 days had PM2.5 concentration in the green category (satisfactory), between 31 and 60 µg/m³.
In January 2024, Mumbai reported seven days where PM2.5 concentrations were in the ‘moderate’ category, while they were otherwise in the ‘satisfactory’ category, with one day in the ‘good’ category.
In contrast, in January 2023, there were 16 days when PM2.5 concentrations were in the ‘poor’ category (orange) — between 91 and 120 µg/m³ — and one day when PM2.5 concentrations were in the ‘severe’ category (red) — between 121 and 250 µg/m³.
Mumbai reported an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 118 on Friday, and PM10 was the worst pollutant, according to data from CPCB.
What is PM2.5?
PM2.5 is considered the worst pollutant in the air. These are tiny particles that human beings can inhale. They settle deep in the lungs and can cause respiratory illnesses. They can enter the bloodstream, causing long-term heart problems. When the CPCB calculates AQI, PM2.5 is one of the pollutants that may be taken into consideration.
According to National Ambient Air Quality Standards, PM2.5 levels up to 60 µg/m³ are acceptable, but according to the World Health Organisation, acceptable levels of PM2.5 are at an annual average of 5 µg/m³ and a 24-hour average of 15 µg/m3.
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