Just like Delhi, Mumbai’s air quality has dipped to worrying levels.
According to the website AQI.in, on Monday, Mumbai’s overall air quality index (AQI) was 160, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. According to experts, vehicle pollution, dust on the road, ongoing construction work and industrial emissions are the main reasons for the poor air quality, with higher levels of PM10 in the air. Neighbouring Pune, too, has recorded an AQI of 138 with higher levels of PM 2.5 and PM10. A team from the Centre is expected to visit the city later this week.
Last week, the Bombay High Court (HC) had raised concerns over poor air quality and pulled up the state government as well as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), asking them about the measures taken so far.
On November 6 at 9 am, a few areas of Mumbai crossed the AQI of 270, which has become a cause of concern not only for the authorities, but also citizens. According to the data, areas such as BKC, Malad, Sion, Powai, Chembur, Mulund, Colaba, and Deonar, which fall under the BMC jurisdiction, have recorded ‘poor’ AQI.
According to health department sources, the department has asked all districts to prepare a plan of action to curb air pollution. To reduce dust particles on the road, the BMC on Sunday washed 54km of roads in the city using 24 tankers. Misting machines were also used in wards where the AQI was higher.
Going a step further from last Friday, the BMC has also started imposing fines on vehicles, which violate the norms and are carrying raw material for construction work and debris in the open. According to the BMC guidelines issued on October 25, vehicles carrying raw materials for construction work and debris should be completely covered. Till Monday, the BMC has collected a fine of over Rs 4.7 lakh from violators.
Later this week, the Centre will send a delegation to take stock of the city’s clean air progress.
Comments
0 comment