November 27, 2025: Mumbai’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, driven by a mix of local pollution sources and seasonal atmospheric changes that have pushed the city into a concerning zone. According to the Sameer App, AQI levels reached 198 late on Wednesday, with Malad West recording an alarming 308 and Borivali East touching 303—both crossing the 300 “hazardous” threshold. By Thursday morning, the citywide AQI stood at 182, still in the “poor” category.
The primary pollutants—PM2.5 and PM10—have surged to dangerous levels, with PM2.5 readings around 176 and PM10 over 150 at several monitoring stations. These fine particulates pose severe risks to the lungs, heart, and overall respiratory health.
Experts attribute Mumbai’s worsening air to a combination of human-made emissions and weather conditions that are trapping pollutants close to the ground. One of the major contributors is the widespread construction activity across the city, releasing dust and coarse particles into the air. Post-monsoon roadwork has further increased road dust, while the growing number of vehicles and persistent use of diesel generators—especially in industrial hubs like Mahul—add to the toxic mix.
Industrial emissions from refineries and factories along the eastern corridor are another key source, with continuous fumes worsening pollution levels. Open burning remains a persistent problem as well, particularly in areas with dense slum clusters. Last year, Deonar recorded the highest number of such violations.
Adding to the strain is Mumbai’s rising energy demand, especially from the expanding data centre ecosystem, which has led to increased reliance on fossil-fuel power plants and diesel backup generators.
Unfavourable weather conditions have intensified the crisis. The early onset of La Niña has weakened the city’s usual sea breeze, preventing the natural dispersion of pollutants. Combined with high humidity and warm conditions, this creates a “lid” that traps polluted air near the surface. With the monsoon over, the lack of rain has also eliminated natural atmospheric cleansing.
The result is a rise in respiratory discomfort, especially among children, senior citizens, and those with existing health issues. Experts warn that prolonged exposure could lead to increased hospitalisations for asthma and cardiac ailments.
To combat the crisis, authorities are calling for strict controls on construction, greater adoption of clean energy, and tougher enforcement in industrial and high-traffic zones. The city has already activated an emergency anti-pollution plan, including the option to halt construction if air quality worsens. The BMC’s environment department is also proposing to raise penalties for open burning to Rs 5,000, up from last year’s Rs 100 and this year’s Rs 500, in an effort to curb the practice.
These urgent interventions, experts say, are essential to prevent Mumbai’s air from slipping deeper into hazardous territory.
Source: Money Control
