City in haze for second consecutive day

An official from MPCB said that RSPM levels will fall to normal as the haze reduces.

The dust storm,which had orginated in Rajasthan,has now subsided. “The dust storm in Rajasthan has subsided,and thus the haze has reduced considerably on Thursday. But once the dust enters the atmosphere,it takes time to settle. Hopefully,it will clear out by Friday morning. Even a normal wind speed of 5 to 10 knots will help the dust settle down,” said VK Rajeev,the Director of weather forecast,IMD.

Residents,however,continued to visit ENT doctors with complaints of breathing problems on Thursday also.

“There were people in the out patient department in the morning,most of them with itchy throats,skin rashes and red eyes. Elderly patients were complaining of breathing problems like palpitation. Fortunately these are minor issues,which can be treated by basic medication,” Dr Randhir Singh,a physician at Sion Hospital said. Blurred vision was a common complaint that early morning risers complained of.

“The haze cover caused major irritation in my eyes. I woke up this morning with red and swollen eyes,” said Colaba resident Pooja Chowdhury.

Although parts of South Mumbai were clearer than Wednesday,western suburbs,notably Goregaon,Malad,Vikhroli,were still heavily enveloped by the haze.

Visibility,which on Wednesday had reduced to around 1,000 meters as compared to the normal 5,000 meters,was at 1,200 metres on Thursday.

However,no flights were delayed due to the haze on Thursday.