October 18, 2023

Mumbai's air quality has taken a concerning turn, surpassing that of Delhi, a city often in the spotlight for its air pollution problems. As of 9 am on October 18, 2023, several areas in Mumbai reported air quality index (AQI) levels above 300, categorizing them as 'very poor.' This development comes as a surprise, as Delhi's air quality was marked as 'satisfactory' with an AQI of 83 during the same period.

According to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), Mumbai's overall AQI stood at 113, classifying it as 'moderate.' However, specific areas within Mumbai experienced significantly worse air quality conditions. For instance, Kalanagar in the Bandra Kurla area recorded an AQI of 178, while areas like Worli, Bhandup, and Borivali reported moderate air quality with AQI values of 139, 131, and 135, respectively. On the other hand, Deonar and Chembur were among the areas classified as 'poor' with AQIs of 216 and 213, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

What's particularly concerning is that some pockets of Mumbai, such as Andheri, Navi Mumbai, and Mazgaon, recorded 'very poor' air quality with AQIs reaching 346, 311, and 307, respectively, according to SAFAR's 9 am data. The CPCB also reported AQIs of 331 in Vile Parle West and 343 in Chakala Andheri East.

In contrast, Delhi's air quality has seen some improvement, with an 'satisfactory' overall AQI of 83. This improvement in air quality can be attributed to light rain that lashed the national capital on Monday night. SAFAR data indicated that AQIs at various locations in Delhi, such as Lodhi Road (63), Delhi airport (T3) (56), and IIT Delhi (45), were in the 'satisfactory' range. Additionally, Noida, Mathura Road, and IIT Delhi reported 'good' category air with AQIs of 37, 27, and 45, respectively. However, several hotspots in Delhi, including Wazirpur, RK Puram, Rohini, and Jahangirpuri, still recorded 'moderate' category air with AQIs ranging from 135 to 184, according to CPCB data.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a clear and easy-to-understand measure of air quality. It categorizes air quality into six levels, ranging from 'good' to 'severe,' based on the concentration of air pollutants and their potential health impacts. It serves as an important tool for communicating air quality status to the public.

As Mumbai grapples with deteriorating air quality, authorities and citizens alike are urged to take measures to reduce air pollution, including considering alternative fuels like CNG and minimizing outdoor exposure, especially during periods of poor air quality.