Navi Mumbai Residents Gasp for Breath Amid Persistent Chemical Haze

As of September 27th, 2025, a persistent chemical haze has once again enveloped the neighborhoods of Navi Mumbai, raising serious concerns over environmental and public health conditions. For the past week, areas such as Vashi, Kopar Khairane, Ghansoli, and Sanpada have been shrouded in thick smoke accompanied by a pungent odor, reducing visibility to just a few meters.

The smog, which lingers well into the afternoon after settling in overnight, has triggered widespread complaints from residents, particularly children and senior citizens. They report experiencing breathing difficulties, sore throats, and sleepless nights due to the poor air quality. Data shows that Navi Mumbai's Air Quality Index has surged to 141, with PM2.5 levels 7.5 times higher than the World Health Organization's safe limits.

While the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board attributes the haze to climatic changes and fog-like conditions, residents insist the smog is chemical in nature. They allege that factories in the nearby Mahape and Rabale industrial zones are deliberately releasing toxic emissions, especially during nights and weekends when detection is more challenging. Residents also point to untreated industrial effluents flowing into nearby nullahs as a contributing factor to the crisis.

Despite years of protests and complaints, little action has been taken by the authorities to address the issue. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has urged residents with pre-existing conditions to remain indoors during peak smog hours and seek medical care if symptoms persist.