As smog rises, Mumbai's AQI drops to 'moderate'; bursting firecrackers limited to 10 PM on Diwali

Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been constantly dipping over the past week, hitting 126 on Monday, classified as Moderate. Out of the 22 AQI monitoring stations in Mumbai, Deonar continued to record Poor AQI levels of 204, followed by Byculla at 190, Malad at 173, and Bandra Kurla Complex at 143. In contrast, Sion managed a relatively better reading of 68.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, BMC has announced that firecrackers will only be permitted until 10 pm on Diwali.

As per reports, the city’s AQI has worsened owing to the slowdown of wind activity. The air quality may worsen as there is a possibility of emergence of a La-Nina situation, which refers to a weather phenomenon that occurs when the ocean surface temperatures dip. 

However, no weather alerts have been issued for Mumbai yet and today's forecast promises the sky to be clear. Further, IMD has predicted light showers in the city on Wednesday and Thursday, offering a possible relief.

Meanwhile, Mumbai hospitals are witnessing a rise in respiratory ailments, including coughs, allergic bronchitis, and asthma. The symptoms are lasting longer than usual, with some patients affected for up to three weeks. BMC- run Sion Hospital has reported a 20% increase in patients with respiratory complaints.

Pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds are major contributors, causing lung irritation and exacerbating respiratory issues.

With the festive season approaching, doctors are urging residents to take preventive measures, including wearing masks, minimising outdoor activities, and using prescribed inhalers to protect vulnerable populations.

In the past week, BMC has issued notices to over 15 contractors in Andheri and Bandra for breaching regulations and has banned open burning of firewood and waste in public areas. It has also deployed monitoring squads in all the 26 municipal wards to keep an eye on violators flouting dust mitigation norms.

All construction sites must now implement sensor-based AQI monitoring systems and refrain from outdoor activities like cutting and grinding with proactive measures. Sites are also required to provide vehicle washing facilities, with regular road cleaning mandated to minimise dust.

Further, BMC issued stop-work notices to two construction sites on Saturday for failing to comply with air quality guidelines. At JB Nagar, debris fell onto a neighbouring chawl, while Vile Parle generated excessive dust due to inadequate covering. These notices were issued under Section 354A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.