Air quality in Mumbai has shown a marked improvement, bringing a welcome respite to residents after weeks of haze, smog, and reduced visibility. According to data from the SAMEER app, the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at around 89, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. This indicates that, while the air is not perfectly clean, it is generally safe for the population to breathe without significant health concerns.
In contrast, over the past few months, much of Mumbai had been experiencing consistently higher pollution levels, with the AQI frequently in the ‘moderate’ range and, in some areas, even reaching the ‘poor’ category. Locations such as the Bandra Kurla Complex, Worli, and areas near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport had often reported some of the worst air quality in the city.
The recent improvement is largely attributed to stronger winds that helped disperse the accumulated smog, dust, and particulate matter that had been lingering over the city. This natural ventilation has led to noticeably clearer skies, improved visibility, and a reduction in the thick haze that had affected outdoor activities and the general environment. Despite the overall improvement, certain pockets of the city still report moderate levels of pollution, mainly due to ongoing construction work, vehicular emissions, and localized dust from urban development projects.
Under India’s official AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good,’ 51–100 is ‘satisfactory,’ 101–200 is ‘moderate,’ and values above 200 indicate unhealthy or hazardous air conditions. With the city’s current AQI falling within the satisfactory range, residents can enjoy relatively cleaner air, although authorities and citizens are advised to continue taking precautions, particularly in areas where pollution hotspots persist.
The recent improvement highlights the impact of natural factors like wind in dispersing pollutants and underscores the need for continued monitoring and mitigation measures to maintain healthier air quality in Mumbai.