Air Pollution Monitoring Disrupted as CPCB Server Down, Citizens Struggle
In a troubling turn of events, citizens in major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, are struggling to monitor air quality levels due to a server outage by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The outage, which began on 31 December 2024, has left the public without access to real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data, at a time when pollution levels have been deteriorating in these cities. A senior official from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) confirmed that the live AQI data, typically available on government websites, is currently inaccessible due to the server issue. While the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Delhi is reportedly working to resolve the problem, the lack of available data has raised alarms among concerned citizens.
On Thursday evening, the CPCB website briefly displayed AQI data for some areas of Mumbai, but for many others, it simply showed “Data Not Available” or “Insufficient Data.” Additionally, attempts to search for AQI information via Google yielded no results. The official could not provide a clear explanation for the server failure at such a critical time, particularly when pollution levels are reaching hazardous levels. Mumbai’s AQI, which has been in the ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’ category since November, continues to pose a serious health risk. In response, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has implemented a Dust Mitigation Plan and halted construction activities in areas such as Borivali and Byculla, where pollution levels are particularly high.
Environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali expressed frustration over the timing of the server failure, calling it “a bad start to the new year.” She noted, “At a time when we need easier access to AQI data, including services like WhatsApp updates from CPCB, citizens are left in the dark. If this is how the year begins, how can Mumbaikars work towards reducing pollution levels?” Abdulali emphasized the importance of easy-to-access AQI data, stating that people don’t have the time to navigate complex websites or apps to check air quality. “AQI data should be as accessible as weather updates, so that people can take precautionary measures when needed,” she added. A resident of Chembur, shared similar concerns. “How can government data be unavailable when it is needed the most? Transparency and cleaner air are more urgent than ever,” she said, pointing out that residents usually plan their outdoor activities based on AQI data accessed via Google search.
While some private websites continue to provide AQI readings, citizens remain hesitant to trust them, citing concerns about the accuracy and reliability of non-government sources. In the midst of these issues, both CPCB and MPCB have issued a public notice warning citizens about fraudulent individuals posing as CPCB consultants. These imposters are allegedly entering industrial and construction sites, attempting to collect information and issue notices. Authorities have urged citizens not to engage with such individuals and to immediately report them to CPCB or MPCB. Despite several attempts to reach out for comment, MPCB Member Secretary Avinash Dhakane and BMC’s Chief Engineer (Environment) Avinash Kate were unavailable. On Thursday evening, some of the areas with the poorest AQI readings according to CPCB data included Ghatkopar (160), Sion (145), BKC (135), Byculla (134), Mazgaon (131), Vile Parle West (125), Chembur (118), Powai (116), Borivali East (115), and Sewri (102). The CPCB server outage continues to hamper efforts to track and respond to the growing pollution crisis in these cities.
