Despite the appearance of clearer skies after the winter months, Mumbai’s battle with particulate pollution remains far from over. A recent analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data reveals that Mumbai violated PM10 air quality norms on more than half the days between February and April this year, raising questions about the sustainability of the city’s air quality management strategy.
Out of 89 days between February 1 and April 30, 49 days – nearly 55 percent – saw PM10 concentrations exceed the daily permissible limit of 100 micrograms per cubic metre as prescribed by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The data, compiled and analysed by a clean air think tank, underscores that pollution remains a constant factor, even if transient meteorological conditions offer temporary relief. PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller – fine enough to be inhaled into the respiratory system. While these particles are less immediately visible than smog or dust, they pose significant health risks by penetrating deep into the lungs.
In February, all 28 days of the month saw PM10 concentrations exceed safe levels, averaging an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130 – 30 percent higher than the acceptable limit. March saw a marginal improvement, but the daily limit was still breached on 17 days with an average AQI of 108. April brought the most relief, with only four days breaching the threshold and the average AQI dipping to 78. Experts note that this drop had less to do with reduced emissions and more with favourable weather patterns that aided dispersion. According to senior environmental officials, changes in humidity, temperature, and wind patterns created temporary conditions that diluted pollution concentrations. “The emissions remained largely unchanged, but meteorological conditions created an illusion of cleaner air,” said an official from a leading environmental research institute.
Notably, several neighbourhoods stood out as persistent pollution hotspots. Monitoring stations in Deonar, Bandra Kurla Complex, Malad West, Chakala-Andheri and Kurla consistently recorded higher-than-average PM10 levels. Deonar, in particular, reported AQI values ranging between 155 and 225 across all three months – far exceeding the daily permissible limit. The data challenges a common misconception that air pollution in Mumbai is seasonal and primarily restricted to the winter months. “This report dismantles the myth of winter-only pollution. It’s not just about what the eye sees – PM10 and PM2.5 emissions are year-round problems,” said an environmental data analyst involved in the study.
Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has set a target to reduce PM10 levels by 40 percent by 2026 compared to 2017 levels. While Mumbai has made progress in implementing emission-control policies – including curbs on construction dust and the promotion of electric vehicles – experts say the pace is not adequate. An official associated with the NCAP pointed out that the city’s current focus on PM10 emissions, especially from the construction sector, needs to be matched by serious action on PM2.5 – the finer, more dangerous pollutant. “PM2.5, primarily emitted by vehicles, eateries, and industrial sources, poses a more acute health risk, yet it often receives less regulatory attention,” the official said.
Additionally, the norms themselves are under review. The current NAAQS were last revised in 2009, and there is growing consensus among researchers that these benchmarks may not reflect the updated health risk thresholds, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Mumbai. “What we’re calling safe today might not be safe enough. There is an urgent need to reassess permissible pollution levels in line with international health guidelines,” said another environmental policy expert. The issue is compounded by the inadequacy of Mumbai’s air quality infrastructure. Several monitoring stations across the city face operational challenges, inconsistent data logging, and limited public accessibility. While the city’s real-time air quality dashboard is improving, gaps remain in predictive modelling and localised action planning.
In response, civic authorities are exploring tighter regulations on dust control at construction sites, greater electrification of municipal bus fleets, and enhanced waste management strategies. Several private sector initiatives are also underway to sponsor urban greening and vertical gardens, particularly near high-traffic corridors. Even so, the city’s long-term success in tackling air pollution will depend on an integrated, multi-sector approach that includes citizens, private corporations, and government bodies. Public awareness campaigns, incentivising clean transport options, and stronger enforcement of emission standards are crucial if Mumbai is to achieve and sustain breathable air quality.
With the monsoon on the horizon, residents may soon experience natural relief in the form of cleaner air. But as experts warn, this is a short-term reprieve and not a solution. What Mumbai needs is structural reform backed by sustained public pressure to ensure that its air becomes cleaner not just during specific months, but all year round.
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