Mumbai to Get 75 Low-Cost Air Pollution Sensors by 2025
In a significant step towards tackling air pollution, Mumbai is set to receive 75 low-cost air pollution monitoring sensors by December 2025. The project, valued at ₹3.8 crore, is part of an ambitious effort to improve local air quality monitoring and assist authorities in combating the city’s rising pollution levels.
The proposal has been submitted for review to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s finance department, with approval expected soon. The sensors, to be supplied by IIT Kanpur, will be deployed under the Mumbai Air Network for Advanced Science (MANAS). This initiative involves not just the installation of the sensors but also their testing and calibration. According to a senior BMC official, the Municipal Commissioner is anticipated to approve the project by next month. Once the green light is given, IIT Kanpur will have nine months to install the sensors across the city, initially co-locating them with the existing monitoring systems for testing.
The aim of the project is to identify key locations within Mumbai that are contributing significantly to air pollution. The data collected will empower BMC to take targeted, evidence-based actions to reduce pollution levels, thus improving the overall air quality for the city’s residents. Originally, BMC had planned to install 250 sensors as part of the project, but the number has since been revised down to 75. This shift was made after careful evaluation, and the installation of the sensors is expected to be completed by December 2025.
This initiative falls under Mumbai’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which is being executed by BMC’s Environment & Climate Change department. The plan also includes the addition of five new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations and procurement of four mobile vans and 100 Battery-Operated Suction Machines to reduce airborne dust particles. Additionally, BMC has launched the ‘Mumbai Air’ app, designed to help residents stay informed about air quality levels in real time. The BMC budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 includes a provision of ₹113 crore to bolster the Environment & Climate Change department, ensuring the effective implementation of the Climate Action Plan. With these initiatives, Mumbai is taking crucial steps to mitigate air pollution and safeguard the health of its citizens.
