Unraveling the Choking Reality: Discover the Heartbreaking Factors Behind Mumbai’s Deteriorating Air Quality

For three consecutive days, Mumbai has been enveloped in smog, as the city’s air quality index (AQI) hit 187 on Friday morning, indicating a moderate level. The week began with an AQI of 199, categorized as poor, which slightly improved to 182 on Wednesday. However, eight city areas, including Colaba, suffered poor air quality on Thursday, with values ranging from 200 to 288. Experts and scientists have pointed to the city’s low humidity and high vertical wind speed as contributors to the haze. Dr. Gufran Beig from NIAS explained that the lack of moisture, combined with increased vertical winds, pushes pollution higher into the atmosphere, resulting in the visible haze.

Additionally, emissions from vehicles, construction, and industrial activities exacerbate the problem. Bhagwan Kesbhat highlighted that pollutants from these sources become more persistent during winter, worsening the smog. Construction projects and vehicular traffic were identified as major polluting factors, with calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to mitigate the impact.

Questions have also arisen regarding the accuracy of the AQI measurements. Experts pointed out that many monitoring stations are located in greener areas, which might not accurately reflect the city’s air quality. Despite having an early warning system, the non-functional SAFAR-mobile app raises concerns about the reliability of the data. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, out of 30 stations, 24 provided data, with none recording satisfactory AQI. On Thursday, PM 2.5 particles were identified as the main pollutant, emphasizing the pressing need to address the city’s air quality challenges.

Engaging with this issue is crucial, as understanding and mitigating the factors causing pollution can significantly improve life in Mumbai’s metropolitan environment.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mumbai-remains-under-smog-blanket-factors-behind-citys-deteriorating-air-9736810/
Category : Explained
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Publish Date: 2024-12-20 23:42:00