The air quality in Mumbai continued to remain in the ‘moderate’ category on Saturday morning while the air quality index (AQI) in many areas dipped to ‘poor’. The overall AQI as of 9 a.m. on November 4 stood at 158, with air quality remaining in the ‘moderate category’, according to AccuWeather data.

However, many areas in the city, including Bandra, Borivali and Chembur, among others, reported ‘poor’ AQI, according to the Central Pollution Board Control (CPBC) data.

The Bandra Kurla Complex (IITM) recorded an AQI of 210, falling into the ‘poor’ category, as per CPCB data. Other areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (MPCB), Borivali East (IITM), Borivali East (MPCB), Chakala-Andheri East (IITM), Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (T2), Kandivali East, and Worli reported ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ AQI. However, Chembur, Colaba and Deonar reported alarming AQI levels of 225, 220 and 259, respectively, with the air quality falling into the ‘poor’ category.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Bombay High Court highlighted the lack of efforts by authorities to issue health advisories or raise awareness among citizens about the deteriorating air quality in the city, according to the report by Money Control. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, made these observations while taking suo motu cognizance of the air pollution issue in Mumbai, the report added. The court issued notices to the Maharashtra government, the Union government, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), seeking information on measures taken to address the problem. The court is scheduled to hear the plea further on November 6, says Money Control.

In response to the escalating air pollution crisis, the BMC announced plans to install air purifiers at strategic locations, including Jogeshwari’s JVLR Junction, Chembur, Mulund, BKC, and Dahisar, as per a report by Indian Express. These areas have witnessed a surge in construction activities, contributing significantly to the city’s pollution levels. According to the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP) document, dust from ongoing construction and demolition projects remains a key factor contributing to Mumbai’s pollution problem.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)