Mumbai's Air Quality Deteriorates as Smog Engulfs the City
Rising pollution levels, driven by construction, traffic, and weather patterns, pose health risks and disrupt daily life in India's financial capital.
- Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged, with levels ranging from 'moderate' to 'very poor' in various parts of the city, exceeding 300 in some western suburbs.
- Key contributors to the worsening air quality include over 11,000 active construction projects, heavy vehicle traffic, and dust from roadways and debris transport.
- Weather conditions such as low wind speeds, high humidity, and seasonal smog have trapped pollutants in the atmosphere, intensifying pollution levels.
- Health experts report a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, with hospitals seeing a 50% increase in cases tied to poor air quality, especially among vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented measures like road washing, anti-smog guns, and penalties for non-compliant construction sites, but residents and activists call for more comprehensive and permanent solutions.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 