Mumbai's Post-Monsoon Air Quality Crisis Deepens
Mumbai is grappling with a significant decline in air quality following the withdrawal of monsoon rains last month, with several key areas consistently recording poor Air Quality Index readings. While the city's overall AQI has remained in the moderate category, specific pockets have been experiencing dangerously high pollution levels that have raised concerns among environmental authorities and residents alike.
Areas Most Affected by Poor Air Quality
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board's dashboard, three main areas have been particularly affected by the deteriorating air conditions. Mazgaon in south Mumbai has shown alarming trends, recording poor AQI on 12 days and very poor AQI on two days between November 1 and 27. The situation has worsened significantly since November 16, with the area consistently reporting poor air quality, including a reading of 259 on Thursday.
Deonar in the eastern suburbs has faced even more severe conditions, recording poor AQI for 14 days in November alone. The CPCB portal reveals that between November 13 and November 27, Deonar recorded poor AQI daily except for one day, with Thursday's reading standing at 219.
Malad in the western suburbs has also been struggling with air quality issues, experiencing nine days of poor AQI and three days of very poor AQI this month. Between November 16 and 26, Malad recorded bad AQI consistently, with satisfactory air quality recorded only once during this period.
Understanding AQI Categories and Potential Measures
The Air Quality Index categorizes readings as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and above 400 (severe). Mumbai's current situation has prompted civic officials to consider implementing the Graded Response Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy designed by the Commission of Air Quality Management to combat deteriorating air quality.
An official stated that if Mumbai's overall AQI remains above 200 for three consecutive days, GRAP measures will be activated. These measures could include stoppage of construction works, banning vehicle entry within city limits, and restricting vehicular movement. Currently, with Mumbai's overall AQI at 173 on Thursday, local interventions are being prioritized in the most affected areas.
Expert Analysis and Weather Factors
Meteorological experts explain that the post-monsoon period typically brings worsening air quality due to specific weather patterns. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology at Skymet Weather, clarified that "when the wind starts to cool down, it becomes heavy, and due to the combined effect of slow wind speed, the pollutants remain suspended in the lower atmosphere for a prolonged period". This creates smog and mist-like conditions primarily composed of suspended particulate matter.
Palawat further explained that monsoon rains naturally cleanse the atmosphere, which is why the unseasonal rains provided temporary relief. However, with the absence of rainfall, pollutants are accumulating rapidly, leading to the current decline in air quality across multiple Mumbai neighborhoods.
As authorities monitor the situation closely, residents in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions, especially those with respiratory conditions, while local interventions continue in the most severely impacted regions of India's financial capital.
