how to reduce pollution in mumbai

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Experts Explain: How to fix Mumbai’s air

In interviews pratip acharya, two of india’s most eminent atmospheric and environmental scientists suggest some practical solutions to address the problem of deteriorating aqi in mumbai.

The Experts: Gufran Beig & Sachchida Nand Tripathi

Between October 1 and 30, 66 instances of poor air quality index (AQI) were recorded in 16 pockets across Mumbai . Sion had bad air for 10 days, followed by nine days each in Andheri and Mazagaon. On some days, the city’s overall AQI readings were worse than Delhi’s.

Last winter, in the 92 days from November 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023, the AQI in Mumbai was poor or worse on 66 days.

Why has air pollution become a problem in Mumbai?

Mumbai is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Coastal cities see strong winds, which sweep away suspended pollutants in the air. Despite this geographical advantage, a combination of natural and man-made factors are driving down the city’s AQI.

• According to Prof Beig, due to a change in climatic conditions, the pattern of wind reversal (the alternating movement of winds from land to sea and sea to land, which takes place every 3-4 days at this time of year) is taking longer than usual, as a result of which winds have also become weaker.

After the southwest monsoon retreated on October 10, Mumbai has been experiencing relatively calm air, which has contributed to the delayed wind reversal.

• “Mumbai had an unusually hot October. A steep temperature gradient between the city and nearby hilly regions resulted in winds from these areas moving towards Mumbai, picking up dust from major construction projects in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas,” Beig said.
• He flagged ongoing construction works as a major factor for the poor air. “The past three years have seen frenetic construction in Mumbai. These are resulting in a huge displacement of dust, and the prevalent climatic conditions are making dust particles linger in the lower atmosphere for longer,” Beig said.
• “Refineries, industries, and garbage-burning are adding to the problem,” he added.

Beig, however, said he believes the current problem is temporary. “So many construction works have been taken up in a short span of time, without adequate planning for dust mitigation measures. The AQI will get better once the projects are completed,” he said.

What steps can government and civic authorities take?

• It is important to first increase AQI monitoring in the city, Prof Tripathi said. Mumbai has 21 AQI monitoring stations, which is less than a third of the National Clean Air Programme’s (NCAP) recommended number.

“When you are trying to evaluate the air, you need to first identify the sources that contribute to the factors that determine the AQI. For example, if garbage burning is taking place somewhere in the eastern suburbs, it may impact only those who live close by,” Tripathi said.

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All 21 monitoring stations in Mumbai use Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS), which compute the air quality by trapping dust particles in the inlet. Each station costs between Rs 1.3 crore and Rs 1.5 crore.

Authorities should also consider setting up sensor-based AQI monitoring units that give hyperlocal data, Tripathi said. Each of these units costs around Rs 50,000.

• According to Tripathi, it is also important to integrate the AQI monitoring system with the existing command and control system of the administration.

“This will not only give us the advantage of denser monitoring but will also empower the authorities to take immediate preemptive action, because you can take action only when you have adequate information.

“For example, if it is found that construction is taking place in a certain pocket without following norms, the authorities can identify the location and immediately penalise the violators,” Tripathi said.

• Also, according to Tripathi, Mumbai should adopt a commission for air quality management. In the same way as sources of pollution in Punjab, Haryana (such as stubble burning) and UP impact Delhi , the air in Mumbai is affected by activities that take place in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi, etc., he said.

“The wind does not obey jurisdictions but the bureaucracy has to, so the municipal commissioner of Mumbai would not be able to take action against garbage burning in Thane or Navi Mumbai, even if the pollution from the site affects Mumbai’s AQI,” Tripathi said.

“To address this issue, one needs to set up an independent commission for management of AQI. This commission should empower members to take action against any violator irrespective of geographical borders. This system has done fairly well in Delhi; the authorities have taken action in Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan for activities that would affect the city’s air.”

• It is also important that alongside upgrading the technical infrastructure, urban local bodies and pollution control boards have trained manpower available in the system.

“The administration needs to rope in an adequate number of engineers, scientists, health experts, and legal advisers. If you look at Delhi or London, so many solutions have been chalked out based on long term research carried out by scientists and experts. In Mumbai, academic institutions are hardly involved and I believe that including them in the search for solutions will bring better results,” Tripathi said.

• According to Beig, Mumbai also needs to carry out an emissions-based study to frame and implement policies relating to vehicular pollution.

“There are several bottlenecks in Mumbai that see huge traffic congestion. An emissions study needs to be done for these junctions and, based on the findings, an emissions-based policy needs to be chalked out and implemented immediately on the ground,” Beig said.

• Also, Beig underlined, monitoring and implementation are key. “Policies on paper are of no use unless they are implemented rigorously on the ground. The civic body and the state government need to ensure that all policies are followed,” he said.

How can citizens contribute to efforts to combat air pollution?

• The authorities must carry out widespread campaigns to raise awareness among the public on the need to cut vehicular emissions, Tripathi said. “Citizens can use bicycles and perhaps walk more, which can reduce overall tailpipe emissions to some extent,” he said.
• “The administration may also include citizen’s participation in their command-and-control system, so that they can complain by sending photographs whenever unauthorised construction or activities like garbage burning take place,” Tripathi added.
• The administration should also implement policies to encourage citizens to switch to piped natural gas from unclean combustion methods such as chullahs and stoves, he said.

What can Mumbai learn from the experience of other cities?

• Mumbai can learn the adaptability methodologies that cities like Delhi and London have embraced in the past few decades, Tripathi said. He reiterated that Mumbai hasn’t had a new AQI monitoring station after 2021, whereas Delhi had 25 stations in 2018 itself. This number had risen to 35 in 2020, and the capital now has 40 operational AQI monitoring stations.

“One can see how Delhi augmented the number of stations to get a vast network of data. Research institutions too, have been roped in to carry out regular studies,” he said.

London, Tripathi said, has as many as 110 monitoring stations, apart from sensor-based monitors. Considering the geography of Mumbai, it too, should have a similar number of monitoring stations, he said.

Over the past few years, 530 sensor-based AQI monitoring stations have been set up in 38 districts in Bihar, and 840 such sensors are being set up across 75 districts in Uttar Pradesh, he said.

“Earlier there used to be only 35 monitors in all of Bihar which allowed us to get a data point only every 5,000 sq km. Today, we have a sensor for every 300 sq km, and this is helping us get micro air shades of the state,” Tripathi added.

• “Also, in London, private vehicles are not allowed in certain places that are well connected by public transport. Mumbai too can look into this, now that the Metro network is becoming operational in a phased manner,” he said.

Dr Gufran Beig is Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and founder director of India’s System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Dr Sachchida Nand Tripathi is Professor at IIT-Kanpur and Member of the Steering and Monitoring Committee of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Dr Beig and Dr Tripathi, both winners of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, are India’s foremost air pollution experts.

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One Solution to All the Environmental Problems: How Circular Economy Can Save Mumbai

Mumbai – a city with over 20 million residents – has 55% of its population living in slums

Famous for Bollywood and dubbed as the ‘City of Dreams’ , the coastal city of Mumbai is the financial capital of India. The city is plagued with many social and environmental issues due to the rapid and unplanned urbanization in and around Mumbai.

The increase in temporary establishments and shanties without basic amenities like water and sewage plan, pollution from the residents and the thriving industries, and complete negligence towards the delicate estuarine and coastal biodiversity hosted by the city, are few of the many problems the city faces.

GROWING URBANIZATION AND POVERTY

• Mumbai is the most populous city in India and has one of the fastest rates of urbanization.
• Asia’s largest slum – Dharavi, which is home to more than a million people – lies right in the middle of the city.
• Almost 60% of the population live in temporary establishments or shanties and do not have access to a proper sewage system.

Cramped shanties at the Dharavi Slum, Mumbai (DNA India)

A CITY OVERFLOWING WITH WASTE

73% of Mumbai’s garbage is food waste

• If this food waste is properly managed and recycled, the garbage transported to Mumbai’s overburdened landfills will be reduced by 93% .
• Mumbai generates 7,000-7,500  tonnes of solid waste every day, which is equivalent to the weight of more than 40 blue whales, the largest animal to exist.
• Around 80 to 110 metric tonnes of plastic waste, much of it is single-use plastic, is being dumped into Mumbai’s drains and water channels every day.

Landfill in Mumbai overflowing with trash (IndianFolk)

NOT A DROP TO DRINK

Mithi River – a major river flowing through Mumbai – is more of a sewage line than a river as 100% of the water flowing through it is sewage dumped by the establishments set around it.

• About 93% of the pollutants in the river is domestic waste, 7% of the waste comes from over 1500 industries , and more than 3000 illegal establishments around the river.

1 in 6 glasses of water that a Mumbaikar drinks is contaminated.

• Major lakes in and around Mumbai face similar treatment and are marked as ‘ unsafe ’ for use with Powai lake – one of the origins for the Mithi river – being 8 times more polluted than the safe limit
• The Arabian sea and the beaches of Mumbai are among the worst polluted in the world, due to marine litter, microplastics, and untreated sewage being let out into the sea.

Grave pollution at Mithi River, Mumbai (The Hindu)

ANNUAL MONSOON MENACE AND WATER-LOGGING

• Between 2005 to 2015, Mumbai has incurred losses worth ₹140 million due to flooding.
• All through the year, Mumbai’s canals, creeks and rivers – which are natural storm drain systems – are clogged with silt, garbage and untreated sewage. Mithi River being a major storm drain.
• This the root of the water-logging problem the city faces. Before every monsoon, the municipal corporation scrambles to clean up and desilt these waterways.

Collectively, around ₹39 billion have been spent on Mithi River restoration.

De-silting and clean-up at Mithi River, Mumbai (scroll.in)

BREATHING IN AIR POLLUTION

• According to WHO, Mumbai was ranked 4th on the list of polluted Megacities.
• One of the worst years in recent past was 2018, where the air quality was recorded to be 5 times worse than the limit prescribed by WHO.
• Due to its coastal location, Mumbai benefits from the sea breeze, which helps to dispel some of the suspended pollutants.

Transport emissions will overtake Industrial emissions to be the worst polluter in Mumbai during the next decade

• Mumbai has one of the best public transport networks which is a benefit but Mumbai’s bus service – Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) buses – has a history of not conducting the mandatory PUC (Pollution Under Control) checks with buses failing the pollution test, further increasing the pollution.

CHANGE WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The Circular Economy model is based on the idea of maintaining the value of the products and resources as much as possible by keeping it in circulation within the system. 

This helps generate revenue and maintain a balance between the 3 Ps of the system,

• People (Society)
• Planet (Environment)
• Profit (Economy)

The three pillars of the circular economy system – People, Planet, and Profit (Uni of Wisconsin)

SOLVING POVERTY WITH WASTE MANAGEMENT

Globally, more than 2 billion tonnes of solid waste is produced every year — roughly 5 times the total weight of all people on Earth. This number is expected to grow by 70% in the next 30 years if no measures are taken.

The only way to solve this is by putting this waste back into the system and using it as a resource.

It makes economic sense to properly manage waste Silpa Kaza, World Bank Urban Development Specialist

Proper employment of a Circular Economy in waste management helps build jobs, create new industries, and provide economic stability despite limited natural resources available. For instance,

• Employment in the sectors of collection, segregation, and processing of the plastic and paper waste will increase.
• Training people to repair and refurbish electronic products, appliances, and vehicles has shown an increase in small-scale industries and employment rates as was seen in the Remanufacturing Model of circular economy in Ghana.
• Communities could also be trained to upcycle waste fabrics into useful products like bags, decor, toys, and more.

India could create $218 billion in profits by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 23% by adopting circular principles in the agriculture and vehicle manufacturing industries.

PROJECTS DEVELOPED BY EARTH5R AROUND THIS SOLUTION

Earth5R has been involved and trained slum communities in revenue-generating ideas by upcycling waste.

• Waste segregation and composting

The Earth5R team has trained many housing complexes to segregate their waste and has installed composting bins to turn their organic wastes into manure. This not only minimized the waste ending up in the landfills but the manure was also used for community and urban gardens.

The manure was also distributed to the women living in slums to grow saplings which were later bought for plantation activities.

This way, the waste was utilized in the system while generating revenue.

• Upcycling Fabric Scraps into Dolls

Earth5R team with a designer designed ‘Coffee Dolls’ which are easily made using fabric scraps and coffee grinds sourced from a local coffee shop.

Few women in slums were trained in making these dolls and they soon built a small independent business by selling their dolls to the retailers.

Female Empowerment and Social reform through Circular Economy and Coffee Dolls! (Earth5R)

• Upcycling waste paper into paper bags

Similarly, the people living in slums were also trained in making paper bags out of newspapers. 

These activities help put the waste back into the circulation and makes the slum-dwellers independent by generating good income.

REDUCING AIR POLLUTION WITH TRANSPORTATION

52% of commuters in Mumbai use public transport

Mumbai Suburban Railway is the oldest commuter rail in Asia with the highest passenger density in the world, 7.5 million people daily. Mumbai also has one of the largest organized bus transport networks in India.

These public transport services in addition to Metro lines and Monorail is a big win for Mumbai as good public transit systems help reduce the emissions and energy consumption.

But this is not enough to curb the city’s air pollution woes.

Traffic congestion during rush-hour in Mumbai City (DNA India)

A large percentage of the population is still dependent on private transport for commuting and this percentage is increasing .

The falling use and maintenance of public transport, growth in the number of private vehicles, and traffic congestion will all lead to a rise in transport emissions.

Mumbai is already working on solving this problem by,

• Encouraging the use of public transport by reducing the transit fare
• The authorities also began to adopt zero-emission electric buses in the city under BEST and NMMT (Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport)

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND WATER HARVESTING 

Being a tropical, coastal city, Mumbai has a potential of switching towards renewable energy sources like Solar, Wind and Tidal energy.

Types of Renewable Energy Sources which could be used by cities like Mumbai (Visual.ly)

Few steps to inculcate solar energy are already on way with,

• Mumbai Central Railway taking a step towards Solar power run railway stations.
• Mumbai Western Railway suburbs installing solar-powered charging stations .
• Solar panels were installed at the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command station in Navi Mumbai. This step will cater to nearly one-third of the Station’s annual requirement.

But much needs to be done.

Mumbai experiences monsoon with heavy rains but the city runs dry by the summer next year. Implementing water harvesting practices will greatly help the city.

Water harvesting initiatives were implemented in Delhi, India. Similar initiatives could be taken in Mumbai for the city to overcome the water shortage issues faced during the dry season (Times Of India)

WATER BODY CLEAN-UP WITH CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A major source of pollution in the water bodies of Mumbai is the solid waste being dumped into them, especially plastic which chokes up the channels, storm drainage, and ecosystem, causing heavy damages.

Powai Lake Clean-up

Earth5R had arranged a clean-up and waste awareness project for over 13 weeks at the Powai lake in Mumbai under the A.C.T. (Action. Collaboration. Transformation) Powai project. During this, over 1 ton of plastic was collected and recycled by working with rag-pickers to make plastic benches. This initiative led to the following changes:

• Social: Helped change community behaviour through awareness and involvement while including them in the formal economy
• Environmental: Kept the trash out of the environment and the landfill
• Economical: Generated revenue by circularizing the resources.

Circular economy in practice at the Powai Lake Clean-up(Earth5R)

Mithi River Clean-up

Earth5R is working towards the restoration of the Mithi River in partnership with United Nations Technology Innovation Labs (UNTIL), VTT Technical Research Centre (Finland), RiverRecycle (Finland), and Huhtamäki (Finland).

The objectives of the Mithi River Clean-up in Mumbai are:

• Creating behavioural changes in the citizens living in the River Catchment Area by providing awareness training and hands-on-workshop on effective solid waste management
• Cleaning the river catchment area to protect the ecosystem and ensure a healthy environment
• Recycling and valorising the collected waste into valuable fuels, chemicals, bio-energy and bio-fertilizer instead of sending it to the landfills.

A bird-view photograph of the Mithi River captured by the drone during the survey (Earth5R)

This one-of-the-kind project will be executed in two stages.

The first stage of the project involves

• Public awareness and systemic change within the people and the businesses
• Drone studies for data collection and analysis of the waste using AI and IoT (Internet of Things) for future circular economy studies and generating a short overview of the potential valorisation routes based on the characterisation of the waste.

The second stage of the project will include:

• Recycling of plastic waste
• Valorisation of the mixed plastic waste, bio-waste and fractions to valuable fuels, chemicals, bioenergy and bio-fertilizer.

The restoration is based on ‘Value Creation’ with Citizen Awareness and engagement of Circular Economy at the core in accordance with technological advancement.

The Value is Created by using a fully automated floating unit that runs 24 x 7.

This is an environmental-friendly unit working on solar energy without any emissions.

The system includes:

• Concentrating and collecting the floating waste present in the river
• Sorting the waste
• Recyclable plastic would be recycled
• The low-value/mixed plastic waste which could not be recycled would be converted into oil but the process of Pyrolysis .

The unit uses Zero Emission Pyrolysis Technology that makes oil with 70% conversion rate and it also runs on its fuel.

Ongoing trash collection at Mithi River (Earth5R)

This project will help Mumbai

• Reduce the plastic waste entering the oceans through the Mithi River
• Collect the raw material to be processed into valuable products, and
• Engaging the ecosystem of stakeholders in India to transit from linear circular to a more sustainable circular economy

The waste monitoring system hence developed and the data which is collected would help develop similar projects for other cities and many other rivers.

Building a Circular solution for any city can help tackle more than one social, environmental and/or economic issue as it has the potential of being sustainable and effective with Citizen participation and technological advancements. 

Reach out to Earth5R to know more about solving environmental, social and economical issues by creating a circular economy based sustainable projects.

ABOUT EARTH5R

Earth5R is an environmental organization from India with its head office at Mumbai. It works with the NGO sector, Companies and helps them conduct environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs across India. Earth5R specializes in circular economy based projects. Earth5R also offers short term and long term environmental courses.

Earth5R’s Global Sustainability Hub is a cross-sector and cross-country collaboration in pursuit of UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is an excellent opportunity for governments and the private sector to engage with communities, use Sustainability-based models to drive economic changes, and create social and environmental impact.

Reported by Riya Dani, Edited by Mehfil Mubarak

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Mumbai pollution: 5 new initiatives taken by Maharashtra govt to improve air quality

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to chair meeting on pollution situation in Mumbai on Thursday (9 Nov)

Mumbai is currently experiencing high levels of air pollution. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will chair a meeting today to review the current pollution situation in the state.

The air quality in the city remained in the 'moderate' category on Thursday. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood in the range between 100-130 in several areas, as per the data by the Central Pollution Control Board at 8 am on Thursday.

Top 10 polluted cities in India

In view of the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai, several new initiatives have been taken by authorities to reduce air pollution.

Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar said initiatives like, 'cleaning up the roads with water', ' sprinkling water on construction sites', and 'fogging guns are being used to clean air'.

Beyond stubble burning: Why is dealing with other 'consistent' sources of Delhi air pollution important

He appealed to citizens not to burst firecrackers during Diwali and extended cooperation in improving Mumbai's poor air quality index.

"The civic corporation has started works like washing roads and footpaths, they will carry on their efforts for pollution control. It is a collective responsibility of all," he said.

Also read: How can IIT Kanpur's ‘artificial rain’ help curb Delhi pollution issue? Explained

Kesarkar said some filters are being installed and checked at different locations, and which technologies are found to be the best will be implemented in Mumbai.

Also read: Early winter break in Delhi schools due to severe air pollution. Details here

"Wherever the plywood and other material, which is hazardous, is being burned in bakeries and cellular prices, action is being taken against them. There were certain areas where the work of using acid for manufacturing gold ornaments was going on, and action was being taken against them. It is our duty to see that Mumbai people get pure air; it should be non-polluted," he added.

Also read: Sharp air purifiers will help you tackle pollution indoors: Check top 8 options

The Mumbai civic body started washing the roads in the city as part of the measures to reduce air pollution which has become a matter of concern over the last few weeks.

Restriction on crackers

This week the Bombay High Court directed municipal corporations of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to ensure that firecrackers are not burst beyond 7 pm to 10 pm.

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• "> BMC Budget 2023-24: 7-Step Strategy To Reduce Air Pollution in Mumbai

BMC Budget 2023-24: 7-Step Strategy To Reduce Air Pollution in Mumbai

Amid rising concerns over deteriorating air quality in Mumbai , the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation ( BMC ), in its Budget 2023-24, announced a seven step strategy with an objective to reduce pollution emissions.

The seven-step strategy includes: 

• Sustainable and clean construction and demolition
• Road dust reduction measures
• Sustainable and clean transport measures   
• Sustainable waste management measures   
• Ecologically sustainable urban greening projects
• Effective monitoring     
• Communication and Awareness Campaigns

This will take place under 'Mumbai Clean Air Initiative' by the civic body and Maharashtra government. This initiative will work towards curbing pollution concentration, initiate a multi-level monitoring strategy for the city and decentralise planning and community health awareness to reduce personal exposure.

To implement this, the BMC has proposed INR 25 crores for mitigating air pollution and sustainable waste management measures in the Budget Estimate of FY 2023-24.

Moreover, the Mumbai Clean Air initiative will work towards three broad goals: 1) to curb pollution concentration levels across various sectors; 2) to initiate a multi-level monitoring strategy for the city; and 3) to decentralize planning and increase community health awareness to reduce personal exposure.

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has proposed five air purifiers in congested areas like Dahisar Toll Gate, Mulund Check Gate, Mankhurd, Kala Nagar and Haji Ali Junction.

It is pertinent to note that this development came after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday, February 2, directed the civic body to set up air purifier towers across the city . However, the former Environment Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray on Friday, February 3, criticised this move stating it as a complete waste of public money.

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Mumbai Air Pollution: BMC implements stringent measures to reduce pollution at construction site

By Dhananjay Khatri     Oct 20, 2023 10:03:53 PM IST (Updated)

• In an area of one acre or more, there should be a minimum height of 35 feet iron/sheet covering around the construction site. Apart from that, the entire construction area should be covered with jute or green cloth.
• A minimum of 25 feet height of iron/sheets/cloth cover should be provided on plots less than one acre.
• Every construction site should have a sprinkler system and spray water at least 4-5 times a day to prevent dust.
• Anti smog machine should be installed at every construction site within next 15 days.
• To reduce the amount of dust on the roads in Mumbai, anti-smog machine vehicles will be activated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
• A separate air quality index measurement system should be installed at each construction site.
• There should be provision of frost spraying and dust prevention plants with 35 feet high covers also in government construction works such as metro, roads, flyovers etc.
• At the places where construction of metro rail is going on, the concerned agencies should pay more attention to the air quality in the area and take all the measures within their power.
• Even while demolishing buildings or any structure, cover all around and demolish the structure later, so that dust does not spread. Also all rules should be followed.
• Any structure that generates dust should be completely covered.
• Cutting, grinding etc. of marble, stone, wood etc. required for construction should be done in enclosed areas or covered areas only.
• Protective materials such as masks, goggles etc. should be provided for the protection of the manpower working at the construction site.
• Construction material as well as debris (debris) hauling vehicle should be covered. Also, the weight limit of the vehicles should be observed, these vehicles should not carry more weight than the limit.
• While hauling construction debris, frost spray should be applied during each shipment. Also the wheels of vehicles should be washed and cleaned after every consignment.
• CCTV should be installed at every construction site to ensure that the vehicles are not carrying more than their capacity and that the wheels of the vehicles are properly cleaned after each shipment.
• Ensure that PUC test is done on time for every construction related vehicle. If it is found that the test has not been done, the transport department should take immediate action.
• Transportation of construction debris as well as waste materials should be done carefully. Strict action should be taken against those driving the traffic irresponsibly and endangering others through special squads. Legal action should be taken along with fine.
• In some places, it is found that the radars are transported at night and dumped in deserted places. Squads should be formed to prevent such types, these squads should patrol at night and take direct action against such vehicles.
• Efforts should be made by them to control the air pollution caused by the big power, energy and gas projects in Mumbai. They should re-examine whether they have taken all the measures decided by the government or how.
• Pollution control systems at these project sites should be inspected through Bharari team. The Municipal Corporation system should also check and ensure the quality of air in the vicinity of refineries. In areas like Mahool, it will be the responsibility of all concerned agencies to implement the measures regularly and forcefully henceforth. Otherwise, they will also face action.
• Special teams should be constituted to inspect the construction sites under all the 24 administrative divisions (wards) of the Municipal Corporation.
• At least 50 teams can be appointed in each department. These teams should make surprise visits to the construction sites and shoot live videos. Also, if any deficiency is found in the measures, such constructions should be immediately stopped (stop work) by giving a notice on the spot.
• All Assistant Commissioners should also take dust prevention measures at the construction sites under their jurisdiction on footpaths and other places.
• Entry of diesel based vehicles older than the prescribed time limit is prohibited, accordingly the same should be thoroughly inspected through the State Transport Department.
• Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Roads Department teams will inspect every road in Mumbai to reduce dust while cleaning.
• Also, at least 50 to 60 very busy roads in Mumbai Metropolis should be regularly dispatched with vehicle based anti-smog machine (anti-smog machines) and sprayed every day in the early morning/morning, so that the roads can be cleaned and dust prevented.

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Mumbai Climate Action Plan aims to remove carbon emissions by 2050. Can it be done?

The solution lies in switching to renewables like solar and wind. Solar alone can potentially generate 1,724 MW of electricity, enough to meet half of Mumbai’s energy needs

By Binit Das

Published: thursday 24 march 2022.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra government have recently announced their first-ever climate action plan, Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

The city has thus become the first in South Asia to set such a deadline two decades before the Government of India’s promised deadline at the 26th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Glasgow summit in 2021.

Mumbai had also joined the C40 Cities Network in 2020. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group is an association of 97 cities committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus mitigating climate risks. One-twelfth of the world’s population and a quarter of the global Gross Domestic Product are represented by this group.

The group’s initiative aims to reduce the emissions of its members by half by a decade. The membership of the group is based on performance-based requirements.

C40 network is currently active in six Indian cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

Can it be done?  

But can Mumbai eliminate carbon emissions by 2050? And why does it need such an action plan?

Between 1973 and 2020, Mumbai saw 10 heatwaves and two extreme heatwaves, as well as increased flooding. Since 1973, Mumbai has had an average temperature increase of 0.25 degrees Celsius per decade. Floods in the city in 2005, 2014 and 2017 caused significant damage to life and property.

Mumbai’s population is also susceptible to air pollution, especially in high-risk areas where pollution concentrations rise due to poor ventilation, use of non-liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cooking fuel and occupational hazards.

The development of the MCAP to mitigate Mumbai’s climate risks has been influenced by all these factors.

Mumbai’s electricity mix offers the biggest opportunity for mitigation through the phase-out of fossil fuels and reducing transmission losses by taking advantage of solar rooftops and decentralised renewable energy (RE) sources.

Most of the emissions from buildings in Mumbai are generated by electricity consumption, generating 77 per cent, followed by LPG with 10 per cent.

Electrification of cooking, coupled with a clean electrical grid will reduce emissions from buildings and prevent carbon lock-in. Reduced energy demand will be the most timely and cost-effective way to reduce emissions.

A study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, in 2017 found that solar can generate 1,724 megawatt (MW) of electricity, enough to meet half the city’s total energy needs.

Currently, solar contributes only 0.70 per cent of the city’s total power demand of 3,600 MW, whereas thermal power projects contribute 95.34 per cent, wind power contributes 2.10 per cent and hydropower contributes 1.86 per cent.

The study highlights that 1,300 MW of rooftop solar (RTS) power can be generated by residential buildings, while 223 MW can be produced by industrial buildings and 71 MW by educational institutions. Andheri West (K-West Ward) and Borivli (R-Central Ward) had the highest solar potential in Mumbai, according to the report.

The MCAP urges action on a number of civic issues. It calls for investments in housing, electrifying public transport, building walkable roads, improving drainage and conserving water. The plan also includes investment in RTS capacities, decentralised RE and energy efficiency.

MCAP, in its report, envisions raising the share of RE in Mumbai’s energy mix to 50 per cent by 2030 and to 90 per cent by 2050.

Priority actions will include:

• Developing a roadmap for distributed renewables in the city by documenting city-level RTS potential
• Making information about installation and savings available to citizens
• Incentivising RE systems within building by-laws and promoting open access to RE-based power to meet 25 per cent of their electricity needs
• The introduction of a RE procurement strategy for public and residential buildings, where 10 per cent of electricity demand will be met by solar photo voltaic by 2030 and 40 per cent by 2050
• The transition programme for informal and low-to-middle income communities will also be highlighted.

Inclusivity benefits will include:

• The adoption of distributed RE via community or cooperative projects can increase access to clean energy, especially in low-income communities where the upfront cost of installation is high and physical infrastructure is lacking
• By promoting women’s involvement in renewable energy, organisations and individuals can raise awareness, share knowledge and disseminate information
• The use of energy per person, rather than per unit of living space, will yield a more equitable system of energy performance indicators. Additionally, combining energy efforts with renewable energy will reduce energy poverty and lower the cost barrier for low-income groups

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Plan ways to improve Mumbai’s air quality: Centre tells state

Following the launch of the national air quality index by the Prime Minister on Monday, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has been directed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to create a plan to improve the air quality in Mumbai.

The MPCB said it will take the help of institutes like National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) . VM Motghare, joint director, air pollution control, MPCB said, “We will invite various educational institutes and state government bodies like the transport and planning department to come up with a plan to improve air quality in the city.”

The CPCB has provided a long list of suggestions and measures to improve Mumbai’s air quality to the MPCB recently. These include the promotion of the use of LPG instead of burning coal, introduction of low benzene petrol, ban on the supply of loose oil at petrol stations, checking of fuel adulteration, improvement of the public transport system and higher road tax on older vehicles.

Motghare said the action plan will be made on the basis of these suggestions and once it is in place, a stakeholders meeting will be held with various agencies within the city in the next six months. He said the action plan will focus on how to decrease the levels of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

RSPM are inhalable pollutants such as soot, dust or chemicals, which can cause lung disorders; NOx, released during fuel combustion in vehicles, can also damage the lungs.

Rakesh Kumar, chief scientist, NEERI said, “Our institute will support any initiative that the MPCB undertakes. There was already a six-city study done by NEERI and other institutions under CPCB and the ministry of environment, forest and climate change. That report had suggested an action plan. Local air pollution hotspots should be identified and mitigated.” Motghare said the station at Bandra will be the main focus for calculating air quality.

“We will also incorporate data from our station at Sion. The BMC has six stations in Worli, Khar, Andheri, Bhandup, Borivli and Marvali. NEERI has three stations in Parel, Worli and Kalbadevi. Data accumulated from all these stations will be taken into consideration while making the action plan,” said Motghare.

Badri Chatterjee is an environment correspondent at Hindustan Times, Mumbai. He writes about environment issues - air, water and noise pollution, climate change - weather, wildlife - forests, marine and mangrove conservation ...view detail

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Mumbai, Nov 21 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday morning visited parts of Mumbai to review steps taken to control dust and air pollution and said the city civic body has been directed to do cloud seeding if required.

The civic body has already approached a Dubai-based company, which has 100 per cent accuracy in cloud seeding and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with it, Shinde said.

“The government and the civic corporation will do whatever they can to reduce Mumbai’s pollution. The civic body has been directed to do cloud seeding if required,” he said.

The CM was replying to queries by mediapersons at the Jogger’s Park in suburban Bandra during his early morning inspection of various works undertaken in the city as a part of the dust and air pollution control measures.

Cloud seeding is an artificial technique aimed at enhancing the probability of rains.

Shinde reviewed various road and footpath cleaning and washing works undertaken as a part of dust control measures in some areas at Pedder Road, Bandra, Kalanagar, Milan Subway, Juhu and Santacruz.

The chief minister said he has directed the municipal commissioner to hire 1,000 tankers on rent and wash the city roads on alternate days.

“If all the roads in Mumbai are washed on alternate days, dust will be greatly reduced and air pollution will also go down,” he said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said 584 km of roads in 24 civic wards of the metropolis are being regularly washed and cleaned using 121 tankers and other machines to control dust as part of efforts to curb air pollution.

A release from the Chief Minister’s Office said he also inspected advanced machines used for the removal of dust on roadsides as well as fogger machines, and also gave necessary instructions to the civic personnel.

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde along with other senior civic officials accompanied the CM during this review visit in the morning. PTI KK GK

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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As mumbai’s air quality worsens, bmc gets on action mode with pollution mitigation plan.

While addressing the issue of traffic congestion, the BMC stated that consultants are being appointed to direct vehicular traffic on the road using an automatic signal system. Initially, they planned to construct 70 automatic traffic signal systems, but now the number increased to 395.

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In cognisance of the climate crisis faced in Maharashtra, the state government has ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to implement an air pollution mitigation plan in Mumbai. The civic body is now initiating a multi-level monitoring strategy for the city.

The four major causes of air pollution in Mumbai and surrounding areas have been identified as road and construction dust, traffic congestion, industries and the power sector, and waste burning.

“A total of 14 air monitoring stations have been set up across Mumbai to check the air quality and provide collated information of the citizens through a website,” said Mumbai BJP President Ashish Shelar who has been at the fore blaming the previous MVA regime for the current climate crisis.

ALSO READ | Mumbai's air quality is deteriorating, worse than Delhi in some areas | Details here

As per records, Mumbai recently trailed New Delhi in terms of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and was designated one of the world's most polluted cities. Due to this, medical experts have advised citizens to wear face masks.

Many residents have complained of sore throats and eye irritation, as a result of which the medical professionals warned those with respiratory infections to be extra careful.

ALSO READ | Morning walks on pause, masks back on — Mumbaikars change lifestyle as air quality turns 'poor'

What BMC intends to do?

The civic body has committed to plant 1 lakh trees through ecologically sustainable planting practices and is likely to set up Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) to monitor the ambient air quality across the city.

The BMC plans to carry out a ward-level assessment of emissions with the help of partner institutions, including IIT Bombay. It also highlighted commencing hotspot monitoring - “hyper-local monitoring” and has appointed consultants to coordinate with refineries, power plants, and other pollution-emitting companies.

The civic body also stated about conducting communication and awareness campaigns, along with the formation of eco clubs. It has also planned to collaborate with NGOs and issue public health advisories.

The BMC officials emphasised that as a part of the 'Clean Air Mumbai' programme, the focus of the body is to implement clean construction and demolition practices. Construction guidelines have been issued to builders to reduce dust.

ALSO READ | As Mumbai’s air quality worsens, doctors sound caution, advice wearing masks

As per information, other measures like e-power sweepers, sprinklers, vehicle-mounted misting equipment, air purification units and ionisation-based air purification systems are being deployed.

The civic body also claimed to set up two 600 metric tons per day capacity processing centres, of which one will be constructed in Navi Mumbai. Furthermore, seven mechanical brooms are said to be purchased by the BMC and each broom cleans 28 km of roads per day.

ALSO READ | Mumbai civic body urges people to wear mask in public places amid Covid scare

Automated ambient air quality monitoring stations are being installed in five places, BMC reported.

“Electrification of BMC vehicles, charging infrastructure, procurement of 3000 electric BEST buses, conversion of old BMC diesel/ petrol vehicles into CNG vehicles is on and fully adaptive traffic control systems are already installed at 258 junctions,” said the BMC.

The civic body further said that of the 3,000 electric buses to be purchased by the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Department (BEST), 2100 electric buses will be single-decker and 900 electric buses will be double-decker.

It has also been proposed to install outdoor dust reduction systems in five locations. A waste-to-energy project with a capacity of 600 metric tonnes per day is also under construction.

Solving India's Air Pollution Can Boost Economy and Business. Here's How

New Delhi in India is one of the world's most polluted cities. Image:  REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/Adnan Abidi.

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Siddhant damani.

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Highlighting City Actions to Reduce Air Pollution in India

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India’s battle to reduce dangerous levels of air pollution is at a turning point. In a major step at the national level, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently launched the  National Clean Air Program (NCAP) . At the local level, cities across India are fed up with air pollution and are starting to fight back. Both national and city level actions are a major topic at the World Sustainable Development Summit , held in New Delhi this week.

Air Pollution in India

Air pollution is a serious issue in many Indian cities. In 2018, the WHO reported that  14 out of world's most polluted 15 cities are from India . Also, a recent  Lancet Report led by national experts estimated that air pollution caused 1.24 million deaths  in 2015.

The NCAP aims to reduce harmful particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024 (compared to 2017 levels). The NCAP brings a much needed focus to  city actions  that can help the country achieve cleaner air. Under the NCAP, city-specific action plans will be developed for all  102 reported cities that exceed national air quality safeguards .

City Actions on Air Pollution

As high levels of air pollution continue in many parts of India, several cities are leading efforts to address the air pollution crisis. These actions include strengthening air monitoring networks, adopting electric vehicles to reduce pollution from the transportation sector, bolstering regulatory compliance, and better controlling industrial emissions.

To highlight city efforts and share knowledge among cities, NRDC and partners at the Public Health Foundation of India and Indian Institute of Public Health-Gandhinagar (PHFI and IIPH-G) released an updated factsheet:  Clearing the Air: Highlighting Actions to Reduce Air Pollution in India .  NRDC’s President Rhea Suh released the factsheet at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2019, hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Key updates of this year’s factsheet include:

• The capital city of  Delhi   formed 52 cross-government teams  to ensure implementation of its Graded Response Action Plan during peak pollution season. The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Protection and Control Authority (EPCA) also  halted all construction from November  1-10, 2018, and ordered closure of the polluting Badarpur Thermal Power Plant. The EPCA also banned use of diesel generator sets.
• The city of  Ahmedabad  implemented its  health-based plan  to protect citizens from high levels of air pollution. The city’s proposed budget for FY19-20 has earmarked funds for actions that will address air quality of the city; these include procuring 1000 electric buses, 30,000 electric rickshaws, an capping a smoldering landfill—Pirana—that contributes to the city’s air pollution woes.
• Nagpur , in partnership with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), has developed a comprehensive action plan to reduce air pollution in the city. The actions suggested in the plan will target reduction of pollution from vehicular emissions, re-suspended road dust, industry, construction, solid waste management (trash, biomass, landfill burning), domestic fuel burning, diesel generator sets, and bakeries.
• Pune  is making efforts to reduce traffic congestion and near-roadway air pollution by promoting non-motorized transport. Recently, the city has begun the process of securing 500 electric buses and procured 8000 bicycles, with the goal of eventually making 20,000 such cycles available. It is also improving local street design by building cycle-only tracks and developing a pedestrian movement policy. To curb waste burning, the city has banned open dumping practices and has adopted 20 biomethanation plants that help reduce trash burning and polluting emissions from landfills and generate clean energy.
• Raipur  has achieved a  reduction  in local particulate matter pollution over two consecutive years. Continuous stack emission monitoring systems were installed in over 145 industries and 118 rolling mills while enforcing a legal restriction on particulate matter emission to less than 50   µg/m 3 .
• Furthermore, closure notices were issued to ten industries and 40 rolling mill units in 2017 for violating environmental standards. The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board disconnected power for several violators and served notices to 163 others that were out of compliance with air regulations. 

Indian cities will play a key role in implementation of the National Clean Air Plan program over the coming years. This factsheet highlights the range of local efforts that can yield major benefits for air quality, public health, and climate change mitigation if actions are designed, implemented, and scaled up effectively.

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The City that Chokes: How Mumbai is handling air pollution, which has more than doubled over 5 years

Authorities in mumbai have announced measures to curb air pollution, which has taken a serious toll on the air quality index. fitting vehicle-mounted air filters on buses, setting up virtual chimneys at traffic congestion spots, and installing air purification systems are some of the steps.

A study has indicated that over the past five years, Mumbai's air quality in October has likewise steadily declined. PTI

Like Delhi, Mumbai too is choking.

Rapid construction, burning trash, and congestion have taken a serious toll on Mumbai’s air quality, with smog and haze hovering over the city skies.

The city authorities have announced measures to curb air pollution, which has already triggered several health issues like persistent dry cough, throat infection, and breathing difficulties.

Let’s take a look.

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Worsening air pollution in Mumbai

According to Mid-Day , the air quality index (AQI) of the financial capital was reported to be in the “moderate” category.

The report says the AQI data analysed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that out of the total 23 stations in Mumbai, Chembur, Colaba, Kherwai, Mulund (West) and Sion recorded  “poor” air quality today with AQI at 220, 223, 218, 234, and 219 respectively.

Yesterday, the city’s AQI stood at 152 in the “moderate” category.

A study has indicated that over the past five years, the city’s air quality in October has likewise steadily declined.

In Mumbai, the amount of pollutants has doubled between 2019 and 2023. The city is seeing an increase in the highly harmful particulate matter (PM) 2.5, according to a report from the climate-tech start-up Respirer Living Sciences .

PM2.5 increased by 54.2 per cent between 2019 and 2020. It then somewhat decreased by three per cent in 2021 and 0.9 per cent in 2022, before rising by 42.1 percent in 2023.

Technological steps to curb air pollution

The city authorities have drawn up a detailed plan to combat pollution.

According to PTI , 350 buses of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will be fitted with “vehicle mounted filters” in phases for the removal of impurities from dust and other particles.

“Initially, these detachable air filters will be fitted on 150 buses of BEST and later on 200 more buses,” Mumbai district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar said.

The city’s public transport system has also made substantial progress towards cleaner fuel options. Notably, the BEST plans to achieve 100 per cent clean fuel usage by the next year. Currently, 68 per cent of the buses are CNG-powered, 14 per cent are electric, and only 18 per cent run on diesel.

Virtual chimneys will be installed at 10 spots of high traffic congestion in Mumbai. “These chimneys will do filtration in huge amounts,

A streetlight named “Vayu” will be installed with the objective of air purification at 50 locations.

“An air purification system will be installed on a trial basis in six gardens, including the diamond garden and one in Chembur, Shivaji Park, Rani Baug in Byculla, SK Patil garden in Marine Lines and Bhakti Park garden in Wadala,” the minister said.

“IIT (Bombay) has identified various companies and technology offered by them is used on a trial basis in Mumbai. The technology which proves effective in reducing pollution will be given priority. We have identified six technologies, including vehicles-mounted air filters,” he told reporters.

He added that the Maharashtra Environment Department is monitoring the use of technologies besides the Mumbai civic chief.

Other measures taken

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered 30 vehicles mounted with sprinklers, also called fog cannons.

Notices have been served to readymix concrete units, reported PTI .

Industries have been directed to increase the height of chimneys, said Mumbai district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar.

On 25 October, the city’s civic body issued several measures, including to ensure that at least 35 feet high tin or metal sheets are erected around the periphery of construction projects having a height of more than 70 metres.

Around 6,000 sites in Mumbai are witnessing construction currently, as per PTI . “At all these places (where construction is going on) dust- and pollution-control measures should be implemented. Else, construction will be stopped, be it private or government work,” the BMC had said in a release several days ago.

Kesarkar said the civic body has given a 15-day deadline for taking prohibitory action for curbing pollution and a 30-day time frame for purchasing machinery.

“The air quality will certainly improve in this period,” he added.

No ban on firecrackers

Kesarkar said there won’t be a ban on bursting crackers but citizens should use their discretion and burst fewer crackers.

“At places like Delhi, there is a 100 per cent ban on bursting of crackers. We should think that if fewer crackers are burst there will be more happiness and there won’t be a ban,” he said.

Moreover, the BCCI has restricted the use of fireworks during cricket World Cup matches in Mumbai and Delhi due to the deteriorating air quality.

Mumbai is scheduled to host two more league games, today and on 7 November, and the semifinal on 15 November.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a statement on Wednesday said, “BCCI is sensitive to environmental concers. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level.”

Bombay HC takes suo motu action

On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court took suo motu (on its own) cognizance of the matter and voiced worry over the “deteriorating” AQI in Mumbai and the surrounding areas.

“What is crucial is that no steps have been taken to create/issue necessary health advisories as also to raise awareness amongst citizens so as to best safeguard themselves from deleterious levels of AQI presently prevailing in Mumbai,” TOI quoted it as saying while expressing disapproval at the lack of initiatives to increase public awareness.

“This factor needs immediate attention,” said a bench, which consisted of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor.

Three residents, Amar Tike, Anand Jha, and Sanjay Surve, brought the issue of air pollution to the attention of the HC in a PIL, asking for instructions to be sent to the BMC and the state to take prompt action to reduce it in Mumbai.

The HC will hear the PIL on 6 November.

Situation in other cities no better

PM2.5 levels in Delhi increased by 32 per cent between 2019 and 2020, dropped by 43.7 per cent in 2021, and then steadily increased in 2022 and 2023. However, the peak pollution season, which is usually associated with Diwali, is still far off, according to the report by Respirer Living Sciences.

A few more days of “very poor” air quality are predicted for several areas of the city, where the air quality has deteriorated to the “severe” level.

In Hyderabad, PM2.5 rose by 59 per cent between 2019 and 2020, decreased by 2.9 per cent in 2021, and then soared by 29.1 per cent in 2022. It increased by 18.6 per cent this year.

Kolkata, however, defied the general trend in a little way, with PM2.5 levels rising by 51.7 per cent in 2021 after falling by 26.7 per cent in 2019 and 2020. It decreased by 33.1 per cent in 2022 but increased by 40.2 per cent this year.

Unexpectedly, the PM2.5 levels in four state capitals — Lucknow, Patna, Bengaluru, and Chennai — dropped this year compared to previous.

Chennai experienced the largest decline, at 23.7 per cent, followed by Bengaluru (11.6 per cent), Patna (11.1 per cent), and Lucknow (0.9 per cent).

With inputs from agencies

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Published on: November 02, 2023 11:47:21 IST

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How India's air pollution is being turned into floor tiles

As a 10-year-old living in Mumbai, Angad Daryani often struggled to breathe during football matches because of the thick smog surrounding the Indian megacity. The heavily polluted air seemed to exacerbate his asthma.

"When I used to play outside in Mumbai, I'd always be coughing because of the pollution," says Daryani, who is now 23 years old. "Growing up I had asthma. It slowed down my ability to sprint on the football field."

India has the world's worst air pollution . Home to 22 of the world's 30 most polluted cities, India's toxic air kills more than one million people each year.

The smoggy air cloaking India's cities often contains dangerously high levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5. These pollutants have been linked to lung and heart disease , and are known to impair cognitive functions and the immune system . PM2.5 air pollution caused around 54,000 premature deaths in New Delhi in 2020, according to analysis by Greenpeace Southeast Asia .

"In India, you notice a big difference in energy levels compared to in US cities," says Daryani. "You get tired as soon as you wake up because of the pollution."

Fired by his own experience as an asthma sufferer, Indian inventor Angad Daryani decided to create a device that purifies dirty air (Credit: Angad Daryani)

Bright Sparks Sustainability

This article is part of BBC Future's  Bright Sparks: Sustainability  series, which sets out to find the young minds who are finding new and innovative ways of tackling environmental problems. They are the next generation of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs who are taking control of their own future by seeking solutions to climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and over-consumption.

Air pollution also contributes to global warming. A major component of PM2.5 is black carbon, which can absorb one million times more energy from the sun than carbon dioxide. Experts say reducing pollutants such as black carbon could help slow global warming and improve air quality.

Fired by his own experience of the effects of air pollution on his health, Daryani is one of a growing number of entrepreneurs hoping to clean up India's skies. His solution is to capture the soot and other polluting particles in containers so it can be turned into something useful like building tiles.

The coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted just how urgent tackling air pollution by treating it as a public health risk, as well as a climate threat, says Daryani.

"Air pollution kills seven million people worldwide every year, but we don't take it as seriously as Covid-19," he says.

Last year, India's capital New Delhi recorded the highest concentration of PM2.5 particles to date, at 14 times the safe limit outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO).

New Delhi's chief minister blamed air pollution for the coronavirus spike at the time . Several studies now suggest that persistently high levels of air pollution may have significantly increased deaths from Covid-19 . A PM2.5 increase of just 1 microgram per cubic metre corresponded to a 15% increase in Covid-19 deaths in US cities, according to one Harvard University study.

In India, you get tired as soon as you wake up because of the pollution – Angad Daryani

"For every small increment in air pollution, there's a substantial increase in death," says Aaron Bernstein, the director of the Center for Climate, Health, and Global Environment at Harvard University.

For Daryani, there is no time to spare – India must urgently reduce pollution to protect people's health.

"Converting all vehicles to electric will take at least 30 years. During this time, cities will choke up with air pollution," he says. "We have to purify air in a hyperlocal manner."

His solution to the problem is a beguilingly simple one – develop a low-cost system that can capture the pollution so it can be turned into something else.

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While studying engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the US, Daryani designed an outdoor purification system that removes particulate matter and other pollutants from the air. The device sucks in the polluting particles and collects them in a container, leaving clean air in its place.

After designing his first device, Daryani launched the  start-up Praan  in 2017 with the aim of building an affordable and versatile outdoor air purifier.

Praan's goal is to design the world's first filterless purifier that can clean as much air as possible, while fitting onto infrastructure.

Existing purification devices are incredibly expensive and often very large, making it difficult to attach them to buildings. The Indian government installed a 20m-high air purification device, or "smog tower", this month in New Delhi at a cost of 148m Indian Rupees ($2m/£1.5m).

India's cities have some of the worst air quality in the world and air pollution is a major cause of breathing difficulties (Credit: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

"How is this scaleable? It's not the solution," says Daryani. Praan's devices are 176cm tall and can easily be mounted onto street lamps, apartment blocks and schools. Two devices cost less than the latest iPhone Pro, on sale in India for $1,830 (135,000 Indian rupees/£1,329), says Daryani.

Using filters, like in household air purifiers, isn't an option as they would need replacing every day in a polluted city, according to Daryani. Hotels using indoor purifiers spend around $100,000 (£72,600) annually on filters, he says. "To scale this technology in cities across Asia, I realised that the device had to be filterless."

The carbon captured in the containers is given to another Indian company called Carbon Craft Design, which uses the powdered pollutants to create stylish, handcrafted decorative flooring tiles

A single purification device developed by Daryani can filter 300 cubic feet of air per minute and store 11,540 cubic centimetres of pollutants. The collection chamber needs emptying every two to six months, depending on how polluted the outdoor air is. But rather than just throwing away the captured pollutants, Daryani and his team decided to make use of it. Instead, the carbon captured in the containers is given to another Indian company called Carbon Craft Design, which uses the powdered pollutants to create stylish, handcrafted decorative flooring tiles. The carbon pollutants act like a pigment that is combined with stone waste from quarries and a binding agent such as clay or cement, before being cut into delicate patterns. They are then used to create tiled floor patterns in restaurants, shops and hotels.

Praan recently completed its first investment round, raising $1.5m (£1.1m) from US and Indian investors. Daryani plans to use this funding to run a pilot programme, deploying devices at schools, hotels and industrial projects across India this autumn. But he also hopes to make the technology available outside India in the next few years and Praan has already received interest from South Korea and Mexico.

But ensuring that the device is affordable is a priority. "Many of the world's most polluted countries are among the poorest," says Daryani."Poor people work in factories, build the streets and infrastructure, and take public transport to get to work. They live and work in the most polluted environments."

Low-income households in India are at higher risk of dying from air pollution, despite not producing it themselves, according to a recent study.

The devices created by Angad Daryani can scrub particulates from the air without the need for a filter (Credit: Angad Daryani /Praan)

"Low-income groups, despite not producing a lot of air pollution indirectly because they don't consume much, are facing a disproportionate impact of air pollution from other sources," says the lead author of the study Narasimha Rao, associate professor of energy systems at Yale School of Environment.

"Children in slums, families forced to live close to industrial areas, or highways will always need additional innovations to reduce the loss in health and productivity," says Shruti Rajagopalan, an economist who leads the Emergent Ventures programme at the Mercatus Center.

Emergent Ventures provided Praan with two back-to-back grants early on in their development process. "This is an important breakthrough even in areas where pollution is better managed," says Rajagopalan.

Daryani has also started designing a new device that can capture carbon dioxide in the hope it can start to scrub the greenhouse gas from the air. He hopes to have a device that can remove one tonne of CO2 from the air installed in India by the end of the year and could be placed in parks or in industrial areas. He has already received interest from customers in the US and Europe, which have both pledged to reduce their emissions to net zero by 2050.

"Future generations need to feel like they have a future," he says.

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Just breathe: Here's how you can protect yourself from increasing air pollution

Updated on: 29 November,2021 10:05 AM IST  |  Mumbai Anindita Paul | [email protected]

• Text  

With Mumbai’s air quality levels recently falling below Delhi’s infamous standards, here’s how you can protect your body from the adverse impacts of air pollution

Mumbai’s dipping air quality levels are a cause for concern. Pic/Getty Images

On November 15, Mumbai achieved the dubious distinction of its air quality falling lower than Delhi’s, a region that is notorious for its high air pollution levels and smog, especially in winter. On that day, Colaba recorded an AQI of 345, while Delhi’s was 331. During this period, Mumbai saw a three-fold increase in the particulate matter or pollutants level per meter of cubic air. Exposure to such pollutants over time poses multiple health hazards. “The most harmful is the PM2.5 particle that penetrates deep into lung pathways and can even enter the bloodstream, gaining access to any organ. This can result in irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses from exposure to particulate matter, and bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (symptoms include cough and breathlessness). The worsening condition of the lungs and their accelerated ageing can lead to reduced lung function and capacity. Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer may develop due to these pollutants. Further, heart diseases may develop into congestive heart failure while those with pre-existing respiratory ailments may further get Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),” warns Dr Prashant Chhajed, director – pulmonology at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi.  

“We notice a rise in hospital admissions and emergency visits due to exacerbations of underlying respiratory diseases. Poor air quality is especially more harmful to individuals who have suffered from COVID-19, since their lung function is already compromised. In fact, air pollution can be as damaging to the respiratory system as passive smoking,” adds Dr Prajay J Lunia, a consultant chest physician and interventional pulmonologist at AXIS Hospital. 

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Dr Chhajed advises taking a few basic precautions to safeguard your health: “Stay indoors as much as possible. In these extreme conditions, wear N95 masks instead of cloth ones. Avoid stepping out for exercise when there is smog (smoke + fog) around you and exercise indoors instead. It is also advisable for individuals with chronic lung disease to invest in air purifiers. Importantly, teach your children and the elders in your family the importance of mask-wearing, which is a good way to safeguard yourself from air pollution, even after the COVID19 pandemic.” When choosing air purifiers, Dr Lunia recommends selecting those that have both filters and adsorbent. “Gargling with lukewarm water to which a little turmeric has been added can give relief from irritation and help clear the throat. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, D and E, curcumin and Omega-3 fatty acids, as these have an antioxidant effect. Practice yoga and breathing exercises regularly. If you suffer from a respiratory illness, don’t skip your prescribed medication, especially your inhaler,” he suggests. 

Dietary interventions 

“Strengthen your heart health and lipid profile with the intake of nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds. To blunt the amount of inflammation that occurs in the nose after prolonged exposure to pollution, include broccoli in your diet. Vitamin B can reduce the chances of pollution affecting heart rate variability and provoking inflammation. Supplementing your diet with fruits and vitamin E-rich foods will play a proactive role in preventing further inflammation and also reduce the total antioxidant capacity to pacify O3 damage caused due to pollution. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease could be prevented by vitamin C, and vitamin D, adequate calcium and phosphorus-rich food decrease the severity of symptoms in already affected cells. It regulates allergic responses, increasing smooth muscle mass and lung capacity,” informs Dr Siddhant Bhargava, a fitness and nutritional scientist at Food Darzee. Luke Coutinho, a holistic lifestyle coach at Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, points to powerful lung decongestants that are easily found in kitchens: “Tulsi, fenugreek (methi seeds), thyme, oregano, black pepper, turmeric, grapes and jaggery are especially beneficial. Use a handful of these ingredients to prepare a brew. While inflammation is our body’s natural healing mechanism, it is chronic inflammation you should be worried about. To reduce it, make simple lifestyle changes such as cutting out sugar, refined oils, junk, and processed foods. Introducing money plants and snake plants into your homes to purify the air can also help.” 

Why Anulom Vilom Matters

Rashika Chellwani, a yoga instructor at Divine Yoga, suggests alternate nostril breathing or Anulom Vilom: “The controlled breathing removes blockages in your nostrils. Anulom Vilom helps in purifying blood which, in turn, helps in regulating blood pressure,” she explains. 

. Close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale from the left nostril and close your left nostril with your ring finger.  . Release your thumb, exhale from the right nostril and inhale from the right nostril.  . Close your thumb and release your ring finger to exhale from the left nostril. Begin with three rounds and increase to eight to 10 rounds.

Yoga To Heal

Deep, slow, mindful breathing is a foundational practice — your first step should be gentle deep breathing with full awareness. Diaphragmatic breathing or deep belly breathing is a very good way to practice this. Lie down on your mat with your knees bent and palms on the abdomen. Every time you inhale, experience the rise of the belly against the palms and observe the body return to neutral as you exhale. After a few breaths, start making your exhalation slower, to eventually double the length of your inhalation. It’s helpful in correcting our breathing pattern, relaxing our nervous system, and improving our breathing capacity, advises Namita Piparaiya (above), a yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle specialist and founder of Yoganama.

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Air quality in Mumbai

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AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS AND STATISTICS FOR Mumbai

Why is mumbai so polluted.

In 2018, Greenpeace India ranked Mumbai as the 37th most polluted city in India. Having analysed data from 2013 to 2018 the Airpocalypse-IV report showed that for more than 52 days, the level of air pollution in Mumbai exceeded the safety standards of 60 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m 3 ) for the presence of PM10 particulate matter. This number of 162 µg/m 3 for 2018, is three times the suggested national ambient air quality safety standard and eight times the international standard (20 µg/m 3 ) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

It seems that, like other major cities throughout the world, most of the pollution is caused by traffic and construction. 29 per cent of the airborne particulate matter comes from road and construction dust. This is followed by power plants which add 20 per cent to the PM levels. The main source of traffic contamination comes from the heavy duty vehicles which run on diesel.

Traffic congestion builds up due to delays caused by the construction and demolition of buildings within the city. As a direct result of these delays, the traffic often stands idle whilst waiting for the line to start moving again. All the while though, its engines are still running and pumping exhaust gases into the atmosphere. As a result of roads that are in bad condition, traffic moves at a slower speed and therefore stays within the city limits for longer than necessary.

It has been noticed that the areas within Mumbai which recorded the poorest AQI index have the largest number of registered vehicles. In 2019 the number of registered vehicles rose by 9.9 per cent bring the total to approximately 3.5 million.

What are the effects of air pollution in Mumbai?

In 2017, the air pollution in India accounted for 1.24 million deaths. 54 per cent was attributed to ambient air pollution and 46 per cent to household pollution caused by solid cooking fuels.

Particulate matter of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) have been recorded as being the most critical pollutants with the greatest impact on health. Coughs, breathlessness, wheezing and colds as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergic rhinitis can be attributed to exposure to poor air quality. Nitrogen dioxide levels were recorded at four monitoring stations in Mumbai as being well over the WHO's safe limit of 40 µg/m³. In September 2019 this figure rose to levels between 50 µg/m³ and 69 µg/m³. With the increase of these diseases comes a rise in the financial health burden. It is estimated at US$ 113.08 million for a 50-μg/m 3 increase in PM10, and INR 8723.59 million or US$ 218.10 million for a similar increase in NO 2 .

Can air pollution in Mumbai be reduced?

Primarily, people need to be made aware of the effects of breathing in polluted air because, only then can they start to take steps to alleviate the situation. The key factor in improving air quality is reducing emissions. In 2019 the Indian authorities launched the National Clean Air programme (NCAP) which aims to cut pollution in 102 of the most polluted cities by between 20 and 30 per cent by 2024. Under the NCAP programme, plans are to cut industrial and vehicle emissions, reduce pollution from dust and other powder type materials and impose strict restrictions on the use of biofuels and biomass burning. There are also plans to increase the number of monitoring stations to provide more accurate data. The main drawback to this is that the NCAP has no legal status so local governments can only voluntarily comply.

The Maharashtra state government’s pollution mitigation plans seems inadequate to tackle the problem of air pollution. The plans originally prepared by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) were initially rejected by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) but revisions were made and are now accepted. However, they are being criticised for ignoring the major sources of pollution from industry and automobiles.

Individuals are being encouraged to make personal changes by choosing to carpool or use public transport instead of using their own private vehicle. Switching over to greener fuels would be environmentally beneficial too.

A coastal city such as Mumbai should not have such high levels of pollution due to its location. It is in this state because of the illegal burning of waste products, a poor planning system for its transportation and industrial units in residential areas. The future objective is to provide a sustainable city model with affordable public transport and low cost energy from renewable sources. The key factor in achieving this goal is to reduce the amount of petroleum products currently being used.

When is the air pollution in Mumbai at its worst?

The air pollution in Mumbai is typically at its worst from November to February which are the winter months. During this time, there is considerably less rainfall which acts as a cleanser for the air. During November the most polluted area within the city was the Bandra Kurla Complex with a US AQI figure of 305 which is classed as very poor. The PM2.5 reading came in at 85.9 µg/m³. PM10 recorded a concentration of 145.7 µg/m³, O3 measured 8.7 µg/m³ and NO 2 recorded a concentration of 80.8 µg/m³. These are typical figures for the month of November which is statistically one of the worst months.

Is Mumbai the city with the worst air pollution?

The PM2.5 concentration in India in 2019 was 5 times above World Health Organisation exposure recommendation of 10 µg/m³.

In 2019, Mumbai ranked number 169 among the world’s most polluted cities included in IQAir’s 2019 World Air Quality Report, with an annual average PM2.5 figure of 45.3 µg/m³. Compare this to Delhi air quality which ranked number 2 with an average PM2.5 figure of 98.6 µg/m³ . The top position went to the Indian city of Ghaziabad with a 2019 average of 110.2 µg/m³ noticeably different from the 2018 figures

In 2018, Mumbai ranked number 71 whilst the Indian city of Gurugram took pole position. Delhi, India’s capital was ranked number 11. Unfortunately these figures show the situation is getting worse, not better.

Due to its coastal location, Mumbai’s air pollution is eased by the prevailing sea breezes which help to disperse the particulate matter suspended in the air.

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Mumbai Air Pollution: Nearly 600 km of Roads Being Cleaned to Control Dust; AQI in 'Moderate' Category

Curated By : Aditi Ray Chowdhury

Last Updated: November 20, 2023, 23:28 IST

Mumbai, India

On Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Mumbai recorded at 7:05pm was a ’moderate’ 117. (Representative Image: PTI/File)

The release further stated that the civic body has accelerated various measures to control dust that causes air pollution in the city

As a part of efforts to curb air pollution, a total of 584 kilometres of roads in 24 administrative wards of Mumbai are being regularly washed and cleaned in order to control dust.

As per a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) release, Additional Commissioner Sudhakar Shinde said that these roads, which are more than 60 feet in width, include the Western and Eastern Express Highways, the Eastern Freeway, SV Road, Bandra to Santacruz West Link Road and LBS Road among others.

The release further stated that the civic body has accelerated various measures to control dust that causes air pollution in the city. Under these measures, cleaning and washing of roads of more than 60 feet width and footpaths are being done.

“A total of 121 water tankers, sludge de-watering, firex tankers, micro water sprayers and other equipment are being used for these works along with appointment of trained manpower. Water from recycled and local sources is being used. Care is being taken to ensure drinking water is not wasted,” the release added.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Mumbai recorded at 7:05pm was a ’moderate’ 117, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

(with PTI inputs)

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Air Pollution in Mumbai

• 1 Air Pollution in Mumbai
• 2 Causes of Air Pollution in Mumbai
• 3 Effects of Air Pollution in Mumbai
• 4 Preventive Measures to Stop the Effect of Pollution
• 5 Pollution level in Mumbai
• 6 Air Pollution in Mumbai Statistics
• 7 Control Measures
• 8 Conclusion on Pollution in Mumbai

Air pollution in Mumbai is one of the biggest health hazard in the present era. This problem needs to be addressed immediately and steps should be taken to prevent it both by government and citizens. Many major cities in India are highly polluted and one of them is Mumbai, which is also called as Financial capital of India.

Mumbai is one of the major metropolitan city located in west of India and is capital of Maharashtra, with a population of more than 18.5 million. With increasing industrialization and commercialization the city is more open to job opportunities for many people from all over the country. Thus, increasing population and leading to all types of pollution like air, water and noise. 

The main contributor to air pollution is smoke emitting from large number of vehicles plying in the city, industries and the slum which is considered as world’s biggest slum. As the city is expanding rapidly, having a vehicle is not only a status symbol but also a necessity. The second contributor to air pollution in the city is number of industries emitting smoke which even pollute the nearby water bodies. Adding to this the city always face heavy rains which makes the atmosphere damp and windy, due to which the dust particles circulate more.  Pollution cause many respiratory problems, people are advised to use a mask or air purifiers.

Causes of Air Pollution in Mumbai

There are many causes of air pollution in Mumbai. They can be listed as:

1) The biggest reason for pollution in Mumbai is vehicle emission. There are thousands of vehicles in the city including cars, buses, two wheeler, taxis, trains. Which are used by citizens to travel from one place to another. With expanding population and city limits, having a vehicle has become mandatory for travelling. People use different modes of transport depending on their needs and status. Sometimes it takes hours to to travel from one end to another leading to traffic and pollution. 

2) The city has many industries providing employment to many people. But it also provides pollution in large way. the smoke coming from factories damages the air quality badly, even the nearby water bodies are effected by it. Some of the factories are in midst of the city, even some which were in the outskirts have now become part of the city due to expansion of the city limits. The noise and smoke coming form such factories, leads to various problems and making to difficult for people living nearby to survive peacefully in a clean environment.

3) Mumbai has the largest slum area, where many people douse kerosene or wood for cooking and other activities, this leads to a large quantity of smoke which pollutes the whole atmosphere emitting many hazardous substances in the air. Lack of sanitation facilities is also one of the reasons for pollution in the slum area. 

4) There is also biggest dump yard, where huge quantity of trash is being disposed daily. This causes very bad smell during rains and especially when the trash is being burnt, the smoke and the smell of burning goes very far, leading to pollution and emission of many harmful gasses and causes very bad smell, making it difficult to breathe. Most of them are illegal dumping. 

5) With the expanding employment opportunities and population, the city has seen dramatic increase in construction. There are many construction activities going on every now and then. This leads to dust, wood dust, cement, sand etc in the air. Dust form building construction leads to high levels of particulate matter which causes many health hazards. 

Effects of Air Pollution in Mumbai

Vehicle emission, industry smoke release lots of harmful gasses such as Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, which lead to many health hazards. Doctors advice to keep oneself away from these harmful pollutants and stay protected. Some of the effects of air pollution are:

• Heart Diseases, asthma or respiratory diseases.
• Illness associated with Lung infection, bronchitis, flu.
• Skin diseases or skin rashes. 
• Watery eyes, headaches, sinusitis.
• Risk to pregnant women and unborn child.

Preventive Measures to Stop the Effect of Pollution

While many doctors, suggest many ways to protect oneself from air pollution. It is advised that one should avoid going out during peak hours, use masks whenever you go out, try to close windows and install air purifiers at home, go for regular check ups. Go for carpooling and use public transport as much as possible, try walking or cycling to nearby places if possible, this will not reduce pollution, but has a good effect on overall health. Avoid burning anything or smoking in public places, especially on roads etc. where there is already lot of pollution. 

Pollution level in Mumbai

As of 2018, Mumbai is considered as 4th most polluted metropolis city in the world.According to sources the city has PM2.5 Particulate matter, which is dangerous and 9 out of 10 people breathe bad quality of air, resulting in deaths. In October 2018, the air quality index(AQI), was recorded 142 and by evening it reached 177, and the highest AQI was recorded at 309. AQI between 101 to 200 is considered moderate, and this record shows that AQI in Mumbai was “very Poor”, rather life threatening. Pollution levels are recorded high in the morning and clear out by evening, it all depends on the winds. The Air Quality Index keep fluctuating since September.

Air Pollution in Mumbai Statistics

The city faces  serious health issues due to the over pollution, the government officlas however, play a deaf ear saying the Air Quality index is in moderate range. According to WHO, Particulate Matter in Mumbai was recorded PM2.5 and PM10. Particulate matter contains sulfate, nitrate oxide and many other pollutants, which are very dangerous when inhaled. Air quality index keeps fluctuating in Mumbai, it reaches a peak level in September and gradually comes down by January. According to experts Mumbai air quality keeps deteriorating due to vehicular density and constructions. 

Control Measures

Although the pollution levels are not as bad as Delhi, but the Government has to take steps to suppress the pollution, or this is going to increase and cause many hazards. The city authorities are planting more tress around the city to reduce the pollution effects, there should also be restriction on construction works carried on around the city, experts say, pollution can be reduced if contractors spray water before and after demolition of the building. Dumping yards should be monitored properly and reduce the number of dumping yards around the city. Many NGOs are organizing awareness programs to reduce the pollution and its effects. 

Conclusion on Pollution in Mumbai

Mumbai is learning from mistakes of other cities and trying to curb the pollution by implementing many remedies. Many health issues occur due to pollution mostly kids and old aged people suffer because of this.

Because of air pollution, water quality is also deteriorating, as the pollutants get absorbed by water easily. Public should also be aware of the pollution and its effects, people should try car polling and carry out maintenance checks on their vehicles. Not to smoke cigarettes in public places, use less plastic, as the burning of plastic causes tremendous smoke and harmful gases are released due to this. 

Pollution is a long term issue and cannot be solved overnight, but it requires a very dedicated efforts from government and public. The long term effects of pollution is going to borne by generations, so it is high time that everyone stand up against this issue and fight it. It is going time to sort the things but the result of this will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Infrastructural facilities such as roads and transport system should be redesigned, this would also help to great extent. Encouraging public to use more public transport and providing them with good and comfortable transport facilities would also be beneficial.  Although many steps have been taken and many laws have been implemented air quality keeps diminishing. The public and concerned authorities pay a deaf ear to the complaints. This attitude must be changed, or the effects will be very dangerous. 

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Mumbai air pollution: Maha govt to sign MoU with Dubai company for cloud seeding

Posted: 21 November 2023 | Last updated: 21 November 2023

Mumbai air pollution: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Tuesday visited parts of the city to review steps taken to control dust and air pollution. Shinde said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has been directed to do cloud seeding if required, news wire PTI reported.

The civic body has already approached a Dubai-based company, which has 100 per cent accuracy in cloud seeding and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with it, CM Shinde said, according to the report. "The government and the civic corporation will do whatever they can to reduce Mumbai`s pollution. The civic body has been directed to do cloud seeding if required," he said.

Cloud seeding is an artificial technique aimed at enhancing the probability of rains, the report said.

CM Shinde was replying to queries by journalists at the Jogger`s Park in suburban Bandra during his early morning inspection of various works undertaken in the city as a part of the dust and air pollution control measures.

Shinde reviewed various road and footpath cleaning and washing works undertaken as a part of dust control measures in some areas at Pedder Road, Bandra, Kalanagar, Milan Subway, Juhu and Santacruz.

The chief minister said he has directed the municipal commissioner to hire 1,000 tankers on rent and wash the city roads on alternate days. "If all the roads in Mumbai are washed on alternate days, dust will be greatly reduced and air pollution will also go down," he said.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said 584 km of roads in 24 civic wards of the metropolis are being regularly washed and cleaned using 121 tankers and other machines to control dust as part of efforts to curb air pollution.

Also read: Mumbai air pollution: 584 km of roads being washed, AQI at 117 in city

A release from the Chief Minister`s Office said he also inspected advanced machines used for the removal of dust on roadsides as well as fogger machines, and also gave necessary instructions to the civic personnel.

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Sudhakar Shinde along with other senior civic officials accompanied the CM during this review visit in the morning. (With inputs from PTI)

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Mumbai Air Quality Index (AQI) Live

Real-time PM2.5, PM10 air pollution level Maharashtra

Last Update: 21 Nov 2023, 08:55pm

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Major Air Pollutants in Mumbai

The current PM2.5 concentration in Mumbai is 3.6 times above the recommended limit given by the WHO 24 hrs air quality guidelines value.

PM2.5 air pollution in Mumbai is causing an estimated deaths of lives since January 1, 2021. It has cost the city's economy around US$3.3 billion so far this year. (Source: Greenpeace)

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Faqs of mumbai air quality index, (frequently asked questions).

Quick answers to some commonly asked questions about the air pollution of Mumbai.

The real-time air quality in Mumbai is 105 (POOR) AQI now. This was last updated 49 seconds ago .

The current concentration of PM2.5 in Mumbai is 54 (µg/m³). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 15 µg/m³ as the threshold concentration of PM2.5 for 24 hrs mean. Currently, the concentration is 2.16 times the recommended limit.

Generally, the air quality at Mumbai starts deteriorating in late October. The winters are the worst-hit season in terms of air pollution.

You should wear a good N95 mask when you go outdoor in Mumbai until the AQI is improving upto moderate range.

Office going people should avoid personal vehicles and use public transportations or carpooling.

(i) The primary causes of outdoor air pollution are solid, liquid particles called aerosols & gase from vehicles emissions, construction activities, factories, burning stubble & fossil fuels and wildfire, etc.

(ii) Main causes of indoor air pollution are harmful gases from cooking fuels (such as wood, crop wastes, charcoal, coal and dung), damp, mould smoke, chemicals from cleaning materials, etc.

Indoor air pollution in Mumbai is as dangerous as outdoor pollution, because the air pollutants come inside the houses or buildings through doors, windows and ventilation.

In Mumbai , you must use an air purifier or fresh air machine at home or office indoor and close all the doors, windows and ventilations when the outdoor air quality index (aqi) in Mumbai is very high. Proper ventilation is highly recommended only when outdoor air quality is improving and moderate AQI range.

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Mumbai AIR POLLUTION

How is the financial capital of India emerging as one of the emerging hotspots of air pollution?

Also known as Bombay, and a financial center, it is the largest city in India. It is situated on the west coast of India and is known as the heart of the Indian Bollywood industry. In Mumbai, the problem of air pollution is relatively new and has spiked only in the last decade. Industrial, vehicular, and construction pollutants pollute the air of Mumbai, which has a population of about 12 million people. Although it is not as bad as Delhi's air, it can occasionally hit those dangerous levels.

What are the causes of deteriorating air quality in Mumbai over the last decade?

Particulates (PM2.5 & PM10), as well as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), have been identified as significant pollutants for a variety of health effects, including congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, and nasal congestion, as well as disorders including seasonal allergies, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. pollution levels are lower in the summer than in the winter, assuming that the geographical and climatic conditions remain the same. During the winter afternoons, you can see a similar phenomenon. The temperature rise has resulted in a minor reduction in pollutants. The worst times are early mornings and late nights. The impact of the inversion can be seen, which is why air quality suffers during these hours.

Sources of Air Pollution in Mumbai

Mumbai has the world's largest slum area. A survey found that fuel used for domestic uses in the slums of Mumbai contributed about 27% to its pollution levels. Industrial and power plant emissions account for about 36% of the total pollution, accompanied by biofuels.

Traffic emissions: Road transport is responsible for 80% of Mumbai's carbon emissions. Vehicles must be inspected every 6 to 8 months by more pollution under control (PUC) facilities. Supposedly, through the state's new comprehensive sustainable energy strategy, a cash for clunkers program for old cars will assure a transition to renewable fuels, and increased use of non-motorized transportation, and e-vehicles.

Paved and Unpaved Road Dust: Nearly, 71% of particulates in Mumbai's air are due to population growth. A construction site-specific Air Quality Monitoring Plan is essential for sharing data about poor air quality.

Landfills and waste burning: Each day 7,000-7,500 metric tonnes of solid garbage is created by Mumbai. Toxic fumes can be potentially hazardous to the area surrounding the landfills for up to 5-10 kilometers. Apart from that, the smoke from waste burning can travel up to a radius of 15 kilometers, making the air toxic to breathe. 78% of persons living near the landfill area may be seriously contaminated by foul odors associated with the garbage site.

Metro and flyover construction: The continuous construction of Metro train lines is producing significant dust pollution among the different construction operations taking place in Mumbai these days, according to results given to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation by the World Resources Institute (BMC). Suspended dust is caused by the construction of Mumbai metro projects, which accounts for about 3%. Construction works are responsible for nearly 8% of overall particulates emissions.

Health impacts of air pollution on Mumbai residents

1. Vehicular and Traffic Emissions: As the population rises, so does the number of vehicles on the road. This will create traffic jams and congestion resulting in a higher amount of pollutants in the air. They emit toxic pollutants like particulate matter, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, etc. These have the potential to induce heart disease, exacerbate asthma, harm the central nervous system, and make breathing difficult. Lung infection and cancer can be exacerbated due to longer exposures.

2. Road Dust: Main pollutants from road dust are particulates, mainly PM2.5 and PM10. Road dust contributes to about 31% of Mumbai's particulate concentrations. Short-term effects include irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, respiratory tract infections, shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, etc. Cardiorespiratory diseases can worsen with long-term exposure.

3. Landfills and waste burning: Landfill sites are a major issue in Mumbai, especially since garbage is burned on a large scale, polluting the air. Other than smoke from the waste burning, landfills produce various toxic gasses like methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, etc. These poisonous gasses add to the already bad air quality of the city. Citizens who lived nearby to the landfill area reported more illnesses, such as flu, eye discomfort, and bodily weakness than those who lived farther away. Continuous inhalation of these pollutants can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination and higher concentrations can even lead to death.

4. Construction Activities: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, lung cancer, strokes, cardiorespiratory diseases, and asthma exacerbation can all be symptoms of pollution from a construction site. As a short-term side effect of living near a construction site, residents may experience a cough or shortness of breath.

The Mumbai government has issued health advice and taken steps. These are:

For various phases of air quality, SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) issued a standard health guideline:

1. Patients with asthma must keep medications available at all times. When they go outside, they should use N-95 masks and respirators.

2. Wet Mopping is recommended to dusting.

3. All Mumbai citizens were warned to avoid going outside in the morning hours and after sundown.

4. Sensitive populations should avoid any outside physical activity and stay indoors as much as possible.

5. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.

To address this ever-increasing problem, strict implementation of the Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, which demand a safe and effective waste disposal system, could be the first step.

Keep a track of Mumbai air pollution level on “ AQI Air Quality App ”

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