After weeks of poor air quality, Mumbai is finally breathing easier. Over the past two days, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved significantly, dropping to 147, which falls in the ‘Satisfactory’
category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have confirmed that Mumbai’s air quality has shown consistent improvement since the weekend, offering some relief to residents who have been struggling with smog and rising pollution levels for the past month.
Areas such as Worli recorded an AQI of 142, while Chembur was at 152, Andheri at 148, Bhandup at 144, and Colaba at 150. Even industrial areas like Mazgaon and Malad showed better readings compared to earlier this month.
Experts attribute this improvement to a combination of factors, including recent changes in wind speed and direction, which helped disperse pollutants trapped near the ground. The slight dip in temperature, along with reduced vehicular congestion over the weekend, also contributed to the improvement.
Environmental experts say Mumbai’s pollution levels had worsened over the past few weeks due to calm winds, construction dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial smoke. These pollutants tend to remain trapped near the surface when wind movement slows down, creating smog and lowering visibility.
Additionally, the post-monsoon period often brings a rise in suspended particulate matter—tiny dust and smoke particles that linger in the air. However, the recent increase in wind activity and light rain in certain parts of the city helped wash away pollutants, leading to cleaner skies.
As per MPCB data, the concentration of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), considered the most harmful air pollutant, has fallen below 60 micrograms per cubic meter in most parts of Mumbai. On Saturday, PM2.5 levels were reported between 29 to 48, which is within safe limits.
This marks a considerable improvement from the previous weeks, when AQI levels in several areas, including Chembur, BKC, and Bandra, had crossed 250, placing the city in the ‘poor’ category.
Municipal authorities have stepped up dust control measures at construction sites and intensified monitoring of industrial emissions. Water sprinkling has been carried out in busy areas, and civic teams are ensuring that debris transport vehicles are properly covered to prevent dust dispersal.
While the improvement is encouraging, experts warn that the situation could reverse if preventive measures are not continued. They have urged citizens to reduce vehicle use, avoid open burning of waste, and support tree-planting drives to help sustain cleaner air.
For now, Mumbai’s clearer skies and cooler breeze have brought a welcome change. But as pollution levels remain a recurring concern, both the administration and citizens will need to stay vigilant to keep the city’s air breathable.
