The
air quality in Mumbai continued to remain unhealthy with many areas in the city reporting an air quality index (AQI) above 200 on Tuesday morning. However, the overall AQI in the city stood at 145, according to data released by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)-India.
The state pollution control meter, installed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, categorised
Mumbai’s air quality as ‘unhealthy’.
Several key areas in Mumbai faced varying levels of
air pollution. In the Bandra Kurla Complex area, the AQI stood alarmingly high at 227 at 8 am on Tuesday, indicating ‘poor’ air quality. Meanwhile, Borivali East and Chakala reported ‘moderate’ air quality with AQI values of 119 and 134, respectively. Chembur recorded an AQI of 178, the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport area reported an AQI of 184 and Colaba registered 156
Meanwhile, Deonar fell into the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 275, Kandivali East recorded 170, Kurla reported 179, and Malad West fell under the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 243.
In response to the escalating pollution levels, the Bombay High Court on Monday imposed a few restrictions on construction activities and firecracker bursting. The court imposed a temporary ban on construction activities and restricted the bursting of firecrackers to the hours between 7 pm and 10 pm. These stringent measures aim to curb the rising pollution primarily caused by dust from ongoing construction projects in the city, according to an India Today report.
The court’s decision came during a hearing on a suo motu case addressing the worsening air pollution. Interveners, including residents Amar Tike, Anand Jha, and Sanjay Surve, urged the court to ban firecrackers entirely in light of the poor AQI, reported Hindustan Times. However, the HC directed the state authorities to ensure the bursting of firecrackers only between 7 pm to 10 pm on Diwali, as mandated by the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.
The construction activities in
Mumbai, including the ongoing work for bridges and metro flyovers, have been identified as a significant contributor to the city’s pollution woes. Dust emissions from these projects have significantly impacted the air quality, prompting the court to address the issue sternly.
If the air quality does not show signs of improvement by Friday, the HC has warned that public construction work may face a temporary halt. Mumbai’s civic body has also initiated measures to mitigate pollution, including road cleaning initiatives across the city, according to reports.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
