A study by the Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay has revealed that the air pollution levels in South Mumbai’s Worli, Haji Ali and Peddar Road could rise by 65 per cent in coming seven years. The persistent problem has prevailed in the area due to the increasing number of vehicles on the main road.
The study further added that one possible solution is a flyover on the road to decongest the road since the gases released by the vehicles are the prime reason for air pollution. A similar solution was put forward by the state government two years ago but the plan was chalked out after opposition by the residents of the area.
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A team of six members from the institute, by using air quality modelling studies found that the levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) will increase from 75 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) in 2015, to 124 μg/m3 in 2025 indicating a 1.6 times increase in the air pollution. However, the yearly permissible limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is 40 μg/m3.
The study proposed the construction of a road from Haji Ali junction to Marine Drive and Chowpatty as most vehicles on Peddar Road and Tardeo Road go straight to Chowpatty.
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Earlier Maharashtra government had proposed a 4.1 km bridge on the Peddar Road, from Girgaum Chowpatty to Haji Ali junction in the year 2000. However, in response to the opposition from residents which also included singer Lata Mangeshkar who lives in a building on the road, the state scrapped the plan in 2016.
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