Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality has become a significant concern, with Malad West and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) emerging as the city’s most polluted areas. According to Greenpeace India’s report, “Beyond North India: NO₂ Pollution and Health Risks in Seven Major Indian Cities”, the city’s nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution levels have exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines at 22 out of 24 monitoring stations in 2023.
Malad West reported the highest NO₂ concentrations at 82µg/m³, followed closely by BKC at 68µg/m³. Other areas, including Mazgaon and Sion, experienced dangerously high daily averages, exceeding the safe limit for over 70% of the year. In Mazgaon, 267 days were above the permissible limit, while Sion saw 259 such days. NO₂, primarily emitted by vehicles and fuel combustion, poses serious health risks. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, asthma, airway inflammation, and chronic illnesses such as ischemic heart disease and lung cancer. Children, who make up nearly 10% of Mumbai’s population, are particularly vulnerable, with evidence suggesting impaired lung development and higher risks of respiratory mortality from long-term exposure.
The Greenpeace report criticised India’s outdated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which have not been revised for 15 years and are less stringent than global health benchmarks. The report called for immediate action to update these standards and implement city-specific solutions to curb air pollution effectively. To combat the crisis, Greenpeace India proposed several measures. These included subsidising public transport, particularly offering free travel for women, to reduce reliance on private vehicles. The organisation also recommended investing in hybrid monitoring networks that integrate sensors, satellite data, and existing systems for accurate air quality assessments. Strengthening primary healthcare to diagnose and treat pollution-related illnesses and issuing public health advisories were also highlighted as critical interventions.
Selomi Garnaik, Climate Justice Campaigner at Greenpeace India, stated, “Mumbai’s air pollution is a wake-up call. Cities like Mumbai need to move beyond vehicular dependency and adopt clean, inclusive mobility systems to ensure public health and a sustainable future.” The report concluded with an urgent appeal for local governments to prioritise cleaner mobility solutions, improve public transport, and implement innovative policies to safeguard both the environment and public health.
