Mumbai’s air quality has taken a worrying turn just ahead of Diwali. On Saturday, October 24, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 322, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. In a rather unexpected contrast, Delhi recorded an AQI of 176, marking its best October 24 reading in a decade.
Why Is Mumbai’s Air Quality So Poor?
According to NDTV, several factors have contributed to Mumbai’s worsening air quality. Construction dust, slow wind speeds, open garbage burning, emissions from crop fires in surrounding regions and lingering smoke from firecrackers have collectively added to the city’s pollution levels.
The combination of these factors has led to a noticeable haze across Mumbai, with residents reporting discomfort and irritation. Children, older adults and people who are particularly sensitive to air pollution have been advised to limit their exposure to outdoor air.
Civic officials have acknowledged the sudden deterioration, with concerns mounting over the need for stricter monitoring of construction sites and better enforcement against activities that contribute to pollution.
Also Read: “Children Are Choking”: Deepika Padukone Calls Out Mumbai’s Rising AQI, Tags BMC On Instagram
Delhi Records Its Best October 24 AQI In A Decade
While Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated, Delhi recorded an AQI of 176 on October 24, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. The reading was reported as the capital’s best AQI for the same date in the past 10 years.
Officials have attributed the improvement to sustained anti-pollution efforts, including mechanical road sweeping, the removal of construction and municipal waste, and water sprinkling on roads and dust-prone areas. Authorities have also been using technology to identify pollution hotspots and coordinate action across civic agencies.
However, the improvement may not necessarily last. Officials have cautioned that air quality could deteriorate as winter sets in and stubble burning intensifies in neighbouring states.
Mumbai’s latest AQI reading highlights how construction activity, waste burning, weather conditions and other pollution sources can combine to affect air quality, even in coastal cities. Environmental activists and residents have called for stricter monitoring of construction sites, a stop to open garbage burning and better coordination to tackle pollution.
Also Read: Sweden NRI Finds Loneliness Abroad Worse Than Delhi AQI; Says, “Need Oxygen Of Friends”
For now, both cities face the challenge of keeping pollution under control as the festive season continues.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Renita Colaco (representative image)
FAQs
Why is Mumbai's air quality deteriorating?
Mumbai's worsening air quality has been linked to construction dust, slow wind speeds, open garbage burning, emissions from crop fires in surrounding regions and residual smoke from firecrackers.
What are the health effects of very poor air quality?
Exposure to very poor air quality can cause coughing, throat irritation, eye irritation, breathing discomfort and worsening asthma symptoms. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions may be particularly vulnerable.
Is Delhi's air quality expected to remain better through winter?
Not necessarily. Delhi's air quality can deteriorate as winter approaches due to changing weather conditions, reduced dispersion of pollutants and emissions from sources such as crop-residue burning. The October 24 reading does not guarantee continued improvement.
