Mumbai Overtakes Delhi in Air Pollution as Several Areas Report Very Poor Air Quality Index (AQI)

Delhi has long been in the spotlight for its air pollution issues, Mumbai has now taken the lead in this aspect, with some areas recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300.

As of 9 am, the air quality in Mumbai was classified as ‘moderate’ with an overall AQI of 113, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). In contrast, the national capital is currently experiencing ‘satisfactory’ air quality, with an overall AQI of 83, as per SAFAR.

Breaking down Mumbai’s AQI, SAFAR reported that the air quality in Kalanagar, Bandra Kurla area, was measured at 178, indicating ‘moderate’ air quality. Other areas in Mumbai, such as Worli, Bhandup, and Borivali, recorded AQI values of 139, 131, and 135, respectively. However, certain regions, including Deonar and Chembur, reported ‘poor’ air quality with AQI values of 216 and 213, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Despite the overall ‘moderate’ air quality in Mumbai, some areas in the city registered ‘very poor’ air quality. For instance, Andheri had an AQI of 346, Navi Mumbai recorded an AQI of 311, and Mazgaon saw an AQI of 307, according to SAFAR data at 9 am. According to the CPCB, Vile Parle West had an AQI of 331, while Chakala Andheri East recorded an AQI of 343.

In Delhi, light rain on Monday night contributed to improved air quality. SAFAR data at 9 am indicated that Lodhi Road had an AQI of 63, Delhi airport (T3) recorded an AQI of 56, and IIT Delhi saw an AQI of 45. Noida, Mathura Road, and IIT Delhi recorded ‘good’ air quality with AQI values of 37, 27, and 45, respectively, according to SAFAR. According to CPCB data, areas like Wazirpur, RK Puram, Rohini, and Jahangirpuri also registered ‘moderate’ air quality, with AQI values of 155, 184, 135, and 171, respectively.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a communication tool that simplifies air quality status for the general public. It consists of six AQI categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. These categories are determined based on ambient concentrations of air pollutants and their potential health impacts, known as health breakpoints. On the AQI scale, air quality between 0 and 50 is considered “good,” 51 to 100 is “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 is “moderate,” 201 to 300 is “poor,” 301 to 400 is “very poor,” and 401 to 450 is “severe,” with levels exceeding 450 classified as “severe.”