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Mumbai Chokes: Diwali Haze Grips City Post-Celebrations
9 Nov
Summary
- Eight Mumbai locations recorded 'poor' air quality post-Diwali.
- Bandra East registered the highest AQI at 265.
- El Niño weather pattern contributed to deficient rainfall and higher temperatures.
Mumbai experienced a significant decline in air quality on the morning following Diwali, with eight monitoring stations recording 'poor' air. Bandra East registered the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 265. The city's overall AQI was 171, categorizing it as unhealthy for sensitive groups. This marks a notable increase from the previous year's post-Diwali air quality.
The current air pollution is attributed to extensive firecracker usage during Diwali celebrations. Additionally, Mumbai is currently under an El Niño pattern, which has resulted in less rainfall and higher temperatures. This contrasts with the previous year, when showers helped clear pollutants.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed mist-spraying and water-sprinkling vans throughout the night across all 26 wards to combat the smog. These mobile units sprayed water into the atmosphere, using non-potable water sources to mitigate the pollution.
