Cyclone Nisarga has been somewhat helpful in cleansing the city of its pollutants, as we discussed yesterday. Given that Mumbai recorded its lowest score in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in 2020, it is clear that the lockdown and coronavirus related restrictions have really had a positive impact on the air around us.
Air quality data published by the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) reveals that the breathable air in the city improved significantly as the globe celebrated World Environment Day on Friday.
As per the BMC’s report, harmful pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, CO, O3, and NO2 saw a sharp reduction in the lockdown months (March, April, May) as compared to January and February. The data was gathered across 10 pollution monitoring stations spread across Mumbai, while the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) got the data out.
The reduction in the functioning of heavy industries and construction projects has also been a major factor in improving the city’s air quality.
In addition to air pollution, data reveals that sound pollution has also been curbed to a great extent. As per data curated by NGO Awaaz Foundation, decibel levels in residential areas like Bandra (West) were significantly down in March, April, and May as compared to the months prior to the lockdown. It is said that decibel levels that would normally touch 100dB were found to be at 52 or 56dB in March and April.
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