The air quality in Mumbai continued to remain ‘satisfactory’ for the third day on Thursday with the city witnessing clear skies and a sunny morning. The financial capital of the country is experiencing an improved air quality following the unseasonal rain last weekend.

Although the rain has improved the air quality in the city, it has eventually brought down the temperature as well and many areas are still facing higher pollution levels.

The overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 93 on Thursday morning in the ‘satisfactory’ category, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data. However, many areas reported ‘moderate’ AQI.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board data, recorded at 9 am on Thursday, Borivali East recorded AQI at 65, Byculla at 88, Chakala Andheri East at 80, Chembur at 88, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 95, Colaba at 81, Kandivali East at 99, and Worli at 72, with the air quality remaining in ‘satisfactory’ category.

On the other hand, Bandra Kurla Complex reported AQI at 153, Deonar at 118, Kandivali West at 136, Kurla at 149, Malad West at 133, Mazagaon at 110, and Shivaji Nagar at 139, indicating ‘moderate’ air quality.

Mumbai has shown a significant improvement in air quality following the rainfall on Sunday and Monday. However, the unseasonal rain has affected crops in many parts of Maharashtra. According to the Indian Express, early reports suggest that the unseasonal rains and hailstorm has affected crops sown on 1.25 lakh hectares in the state.

The untimely rainfall has majorly impacted the jowar and cotton crops in Vidarbha and Marathwada region, while mangoes and grapes in the Konkan region and onions in the northern part of Maharashtra.

In view of the situation, the Maharashtra government held a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss the relief measures that could be extended to the farmers, who have been impacted by the rain. Prior to the meeting, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the district authorities to conduct surveys to ascertain the crop damages, the report added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted clear skies in Mumbai and its suburbs for Thursday, with the temperature hovering between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)