While Mumbai’s pollution levels were significantly down during the lockdown that began in March and extended in some regions until May-June, recent trends show that pollution levels in the city are starting to increase again mostly due to relaxation of rules as well as more vehicles plying on the streets.
As per data put out by the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Mumbai’s pollution levels continued to rise for the second consecutive day this week, while also revealing that the city saw its worst air quality this month since March 19, 2020.
Read - Rs 793 Crore Allocated For Six Cities In Maharashtra To Fight Air Pollution
As per SAFAR’s recent readings, the air quality index or AQI of Mumbai stood at 100, which is considered satisfactory. This metric measures the amount of PM2.5 pollutants in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, parts of Mumbai like Bandra-Kurla Complex saw the worst air quality with a rating of 304 which is deemed ‘very poor’. On the other hand, Navi Mumbai recorded 156 on the air quality index, while Borivali and Malad recorded 139 and 135 respectively.
Also read - As Mumbai Reopens, Data Shows An Increase In NO2 Emissions From Vehicles
Gufran Beig, project director, SAFAR said - “Although there is a sharp decline in rain activity and calm winds, the moisture availability in Mumbai’s air is high. This has increased the pollutant-carrying capacity and the pollutant layer is suspended close to the surface. Moderate pollution levels are expected to continue until wind speed picks up or rain activity resumes. We will have to check location-specific sources for why BKC was so polluted on Sunday.”
IMD predicts rain in parts of Mumbai
The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert on Sunday expecting early showers on Monday. Mumbai observed thunderstorms in isolated areas during the early hours of September 7.
Also read - Mumbai Rains: Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Hit The City
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