Mumbai breathes easier with improved AQI

This comes weeks after several pockets recorded poor air consistently.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai's AQI readings on Monday showed 116. Alongside this, Borivali East recorded 71, followed by 73 in Malad, 74 in Colaba, 78 in Ghatkopar, 87 in Powai, 90 in Bhandup, 95 in Worli, 98 in Vile Parle and Andheri (East). (PTI File Photo)

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Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) showed massive improvement on Monday morning with 10 of 26 AQI monitoring stations showing readings under ‘good’ category, while the remaining stations showed ‘moderate’.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s AQI readings on Monday showed 116. Alongside this, Borivali East recorded 71, followed by 73 in Malad, 74 in Colaba, 78 in Ghatkopar, 87 in Powai, 90 in Bhandup, 95 in Worli, 98 in Vile Parle and Andheri (East).

This comes weeks after several pockets recorded poor air consistently.

Earlier on November 19, several pockets including areas like Bandra, Malad, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Mazagaon showed poor AQI.

Gufran Beig, senior scientist and founder of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) said Mumbai’s AQI improved due to an ongoing wind reversal pattern.

“At present west winds are blowing towards Mumbai mainland from the sea which has led to overall improved quality of air in the city. When winds blow towards the mainland, suspended pollutants that linger in the lower atmosphere get blown away, thus improving the air,” Beig told The Indian Express.

Experts also said that besides climatic conditions several local factors like lesser traffic, halted construction activity during the Diwali week also played a part in bringing down the AQI.

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