Mumbai’s air quality has been a topic of intense discussion recently, with the city grappling with rising pollution levels. While some experts voice concerns about the worsening air quality, an official report claims otherwise. According to the report, Mumbai’s air quality has actually improved over the past five years. Despite this, many remain skeptical, questioning the accuracy of these findings. The Waatavaran Foundation, an NGO, reports a significant reduction in pollution, with the number of 'good' and 'satisfactory' air quality days rising by 24 percentage points, from 36% in winter 2020-21 to 60% in 2024-25. The number of ‘good’ air quality days has doubled from 9% to 18%, while ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ days have also dropped, with poor air quality days falling from 18% to 7%, and very poor days from 14% to just 2%.
18 February,2025 08:25 PM IST
Dr Lancelot Pinto, consultant pulmonologist and epidemiologist at the P.D.Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, sheds light on effects of poor air quality and what early warning signs we must pay attention to. In a chat with mid-day, he also spoke about the city’s deteriorating air quality and its possible connection with the increase in lifestyle diseases, the risks linked to exposure to air pollution, and the efficacy of masks and air purifiers, impact of construction dust on health and lifestyle of the citizens among other things.
31 January,2025 01:55 PM IST
The Mumbai city woke up to a hazy morning on the 30th December, as smog blanketed large parts of Mumbai, reducing visibility and causing concerns among residents. There is a noticeable heaviness in the air, and the Air Quality Index (AQI) has deteriorated significantly, raising health worries for the people of Mumbai. On December 29th, Mumbai experienced thick smog, worsening the already poor air quality. Experts point to a combination of factors contributing to this pollution – localised emissions, winter moisture, and dust travelling all the way from West Asia. A dust storm originating in Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan is adding to Mumbai’s woes, further worsening the air quality. This is not the first time the city has experienced such conditions. A similar situation occurred three times in 2022, each time making the air quality even worse.
30 December,2024 12:30 PM IST
Every year the 2nd of December is observed as National Pollution Control Day. This day is celebrated to raise awareness about pollution and its harmful effects on health and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of India’s worst industrial disasters, which occurred on December 2-3, 1984. As we celebrate National Pollution Control Day 2024, let's take a look at how currently Mumbai is grappling with air pollution increase and what are the major factors contributing to it. Mumbai – India's financial capital which is known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and beautiful coastal views. However, the city is currently facing a serious deterioration in its air quality. In recent years, the pollution levels in Mumbai have been on the rise. As of late November 2024, Mumbai ranked 159th among the most polluted cities in the world. The city's Air Quality Index reached 154, which falls into the "poor" category. The AQI in Mumbai is now 1.14 times higher than the average for Maharashtra, marking a concerning decline in air quality. Though this number fluctuates, it has remained consistently unhealthy for the city. But why is this happening? What’s causing Mumbai's pollution to rise so rapidly? Watch video.
01 December,2024 05:05 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
