Mumbai's air quality maintains moderate levels; AQI at 130

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As concerns over air quality persist across major cities, Mumbai finds itself in the 'moderate' category, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India) at 1 pm.

Breaking down the city's AQI further, various locations reported distinct readings. BKC Kalanagar recorded 172, Navi Mumbai at 174, Andheri at 114, Borivali at 170, and Colaba at 109. These variations indicate localized differences in air quality within the city.

While the overall air quality in Mumbai is categorized as 'moderate,' specific areas like BKC Kalanagar and Navi Mumbai are experiencing slightly higher levels. These readings prompt continued attention to local factors influencing air pollution.

In comparison, Pune's overall air quality is labeled as "poor," with an AQI of 215, signifying a relatively higher pollution level than Mumbai.

Meanwhile, air pollution worsened in the national capital Delhi amid unfavourable meteorological conditions on Tuesday morning and a relief is unlikely soon.

Based on data provided by nine out of the 40 monitoring stations in Delhi, the capital's air quality index stood at 363 -- very poor category-- at 8 am, news agency PTI reported.

Also read: Mumbai's air quality concerns: Key illnesses to monitor amid festivities

Rest of the monitoring stations failed to generate enough data for indexing, according to the Central Pollution Control Board's mobile application Sameer.

Squandering the relief due to rain, Delhi recorded a jump in pollution levels and a smoky haze returned on Monday after people flouted the ban on firecrackers on Diwali night.

According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specialises in air quality monitoring, Delhi was the most polluted city in the world on Monday, followed by Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan. Mumbai and Kolkata ranked fifth and sixth among the most polluted cities in the world.

Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years on Sunday, with its 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 218 at 4 pm. However, bursting of firecrackers till late Sunday night led to a spike in pollution levels amid low temperatures.

The AQI stood at 275 at 7 am on Monday and gradually rose to 358 by 4 pm.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, 401 and 450 severe and above 450 severe plus. (With additional reporting from PTI)