With AQI at 140, Mumbai breathes "moderate" category air

File Photo/Shadab Khan

The air quality in Mumbai continues to remain in the 'moderate' category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 140, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data at 9:30 AM. SAFAR reported an AQI of 101 at Andheri and 111 at Borivali, while other areas like Colaba and Mazgaon also recorded 'moderate' category air with AQI at 180 and 156, respectively. However, areas like Malad and Navi Mumbai were experiencing 'poor' air quality with AQI at 201 and 228, respectively.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data at 8:30 AM, Vile Parle West recorded an AQI of 166, Powai (155), Kurla (164), Kherwadi Bandra West (183), and International airport (T2) (158), all falling into the 'moderate' category. Moreover, areas like Sion recorded an AQI of 211, while Mulund West recorded an AQI of 207.

As per the AQI scale, the air quality is categorized as follows: between 0 and 50 is "good", 51 and 100 is "satisfactory", 101 and 200 is "moderate", 201 and 300 is "poor", 301 and 400 is "very poor", and 401 and 450 is "severe."

Pertinently, due to deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, the civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has issued a warning that it will halt construction activities, regardless of whether they are on private or government properties if proper dust and pollution control measures are not implemented. The Municipal commissioner, Iqbal Singh Chahal, stated, "Construction is going on at a whopping 6,000 sites in the city currently," as reported by PTI.

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Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in various areas of the city exceeded 200 (categorized as "poor") during the day, as per PTI. The release stated that Chahal held a meeting with all stakeholders in view of the alarming air pollution levels in the city.

The BMC's official statement indicated that they will be issuing standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines aimed at improving air quality, with a planned release date of Monday. The civic body is also going to operate anti-smog guns on 50 to 60 major roads, the release said.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the BMC would depute experts to verify the level of pollution caused by refineries in the city, Tata Power plant, and RCF plant and check these sites for pollution control measures, it said.

Government agencies executing metro, road, and other projects must enclose their construction sites and provide sprinkler systems and anti-smog guns, the BMC said. Chahal instructed that vehicles transporting construction debris shall be covered properly with tarpaulin sheets and not carry more than the prescribed load. The transport commissioner's office should take stringent action against vehicles that are past their service life, do not have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, or are overloading, the release said.