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Mumbai Chokes: AQI Hits Unhealthy Levels Amid Smog
24 Jan
Summary
- Mumbai's AQI reached 104 on Thursday, now unhealthy for sensitive groups.
- Smog caused a surge in respiratory illness complaints among residents.
- Many air quality monitors were non-functional, leading to underreporting.
Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 104 on Thursday, marking a decline into the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' category. For several preceding days, the AQI had remained in the moderate range, between 80 and 90. A dense smog blanket covered much of the city through Thursday afternoon. Doctors subsequently reported a significant rise in patients presenting with respiratory ailments.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board revealed numerous pollution hotspots scattered throughout Mumbai. Critically, many air quality monitoring stations experienced extended periods of non-functionality, leading to concerns about severe underreporting of actual AQI figures. For instance, Navy Nagar recorded an AQI of 145, and the Bandra Kurla Complex registered 145 as well.
Atmospheric conditions, rather than wind patterns, were identified as the primary driver for this pollution spike. Experts noted that increased moisture in the air, a common occurrence after North India's peak pollution phase, enhances the air's capacity to hold pollutants. This moisture contributes to more frequent smog formation, especially given Mumbai's variable weather patterns.
