Mumbai Faces Persistent Air Pollution in Late 2024
Mumbai’s air quality has surpassed safety limits for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on more than 80 percent of days in the final two months of 2024, according to a new report by the city-based environmental organisation Waatavaran. The report sheds light on alarming pollution trends, revealing that 10 of Mumbai’s 33 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) recorded PM2.5 levels exceeding permissible limits on 50 out of 61 days during November and December.
The affected areas, which saw a substantial deterioration in air quality, include key commercial and residential zones. Among the worst-hit regions were Borivali East and Malad West, where the AQI exceeded safe limits on a staggering 90 percent of the days, translating to 55 days of poor air quality. Other areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Navy Nagar in Colaba recorded poor air quality for 87 percent of the time (53 days), while Chembur followed closely with 84 percent and Mazagaon and Kherwadi in Bandra East reported 80 percent of days with substandard air quality. The report indicates that Malad had the worst average AQI at 89.65 µg/m³, followed by Borivali East at 84.12 µg/m³. Navy Nagar in Colaba and BKC also reported concerning AQI values of 82.45 µg/m³ and 76.56 µg/m³, respectively.
PM2.5, tiny particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, remains a major health hazard, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as increasing the risk of cancers. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sets a safe threshold for AQI at 60 µg/m³, making these levels a grave concern for the city’s residents. Experts have pointed to meteorological conditions during November, particularly the absence of wind to disperse pollutants, as a key factor exacerbating the situation. The report also mentions that December’s rains briefly alleviated pollution levels but were not enough to resolve the overall crisis.
In response to the alarming air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) enforced a stop to construction activities in Borivali East and Byculla under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) on 1st January. While such measures have been deemed necessary, environmental experts argue for more targeted, year-round strategies that address the root causes of air pollution in specific areas. Given that air pollution is a leading health risk in Mumbai, continued efforts to mitigate PM2.5 emissions are critical for improving the city’s environmental and public health standards. Addressing the issue comprehensively is essential if the city is to avoid more severe health consequences in the future.
