Mumbai witnessed a sudden spike in air pollution levels over the weekend as the Air Quality Index rose from 89 (satisfactory) on Friday, to 167 (moderate) on Saturday, and deteriorating to 210 (poor) on Sunday. The data was revealed by the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). According to researchers, the spike was a result of temperature fluctuation.
SAFAR and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) categorises Air Quality Index as follows:
The observation by SAFAR further revealed that Bandra-Kurla Complex was the most polluted location in the city with AQI at 323 (very poor). The air quality at other places in and near Mumbai was as follows:
All these places recorded ‘poor’ air quality on Sunday, whereas Colaba (116) and Andheri (180) had ‘moderate’ air pollution. Meanwhile, Bhandup recorded the cleanest air in the city at 93 (satisfactory).
After cold conditions on Friday, temperatures began rising gradually on Saturday. The boundary layer of pollutants moved closer to the surface and allowed an increase in overall AQI. This boundary layer became thicker owing to calm winds on Sunday, leading to poor AQI,” said Gufran Beig, project director, SAFAR.
In the meantime, the minimum temperature for the city continued to be two degrees below normal at 15.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Prior to that, the city recorded its lowest-ever January temperature since 2013, at 11.4 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, the minimum temperature in the suburbs rose to 13.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday. SAFAR predicted an AQI of 200 (moderate) for Monday, with a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and maximum of 31 degrees Celsius.
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