If you follow the news or regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI), you might know that Mumbai’s air quality is way worse than that of Delhi. Towards the end of December 2022, it was seen that the AQI in Mumbai was very poor, while that in Delhi was in the poor category. The report was shared by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). Doctors also advised Mumbaikars, especially those suffering from respiratory illnesses, to wear masks.
Mumbai’s Air Quality Is Worsening
The air quality of Mumbai has always been moderate to poor, and it rarely went down to the very poor category during the months of November and December. But in 2022, this normal trend in Mumbai saw a change. The air quality of Mumbai simply went from moderate to poor and also reached the very poor category. One can actually see a huge difference in the AQI that prevailed in 2021 compared to the one in 2022.
One of the reasons behind this is the wind speed. The city witnessed a consistent period of calm wind speeds from the last week of November until the 15th of December. Mumbai, being a coastal city, witnesses good wind speeds throughout the year, which disperse pollutants. The construction activities carried out at the Metro and the coastal corridor project release a lot of pollutants, which get trapped in the relatively calm wind speeds.
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Precaution Is Better Than Cure
Another reason behind this is the changing weather pattern in Mumbai in 2022. The wind prevailing in Mumbai has been quite abnormal and unusual this time as compared to the last five years. The frequency of cleaner wind that comes from the sea owing to the reversal cycle has reduced. The reversal cycle means that the polluted air produced by the land goes towards the sea and is replaced by clean wind.
Researchers said that the reason behind these changing weather and wind patterns in Mumbai is the overheating of the Mediterranean Sea. By penetrating deep into the lungs, these pollutants in the air can cause significant damage. They can also get into the bloodstream from there and cause systematic damage to tissues and cells. Doctors have advised people to take precautions like wearing a mask and taking good care of themselves during a cold or cough.
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