What is causing the air pollution crisis in Mumbai?

The rising concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in Mumbai are being attributed to both seasonal patterns and the city's persistent emission sources, such as traffic, industries, and waste-burning.

How bad is the air quality in Mumbai right now?

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the city's overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 164 on November 15, 2025, which is significantly higher than the 138 recorded on the same day last year. Several monitoring stations across the city recorded 'poor' and 'very poor' air quality, with some areas like BKC and Sion experiencing dangerously high levels of particulate matter.

What is the outlook for Mumbai's air quality in the coming weeks?

Experts warn that the air quality in Mumbai is likely to worsen further in the coming weeks as the La Niña phenomenon intensifies, leading to cooler temperatures and slower wind speeds that will trap pollutants closer to the ground. The city is bracing for a prolonged period of poor air quality as it grapples with this environmental crisis.

Home / Environment / Mumbai Gasps for Breath as Pollution Levels Reach Dangerous Highs

Mumbai Gasps for Breath as Pollution Levels Reach Dangerous Highs

15 Nov

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Summary

Air quality deteriorates sharply in Mumbai, with 'poor' and 'very poor' levels
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) exceeds safe limits at multiple locations
Experts predict further decline in air quality as winter approaches

Mumbai Gasps for Breath as Pollution Levels Reach Dangerous Highs

On November 15, 2025, Mumbai's air quality has deteriorated significantly, with a surge in concentrations of the pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 from Thursday night through Friday morning. Several monitoring stations across the city recorded 'poor' and 'very poor' air quality, with the worst affected areas being Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Siddharth Nagar (Worli), Mazgaon, Sion, Navy Nagar-Colaba, and Deonar.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) 4 pm bulletin, the city's overall air quality index (AQI) stood at 164, significantly higher than the 138 recorded on the same day last year. At several locations, levels of PM2.5 exceeded those of PM10, indicating a mix of combustion sources, vehicles, industries, generators, and waste-burning as the primary contributors to the poor air quality.