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Mumbai's Bandra Shrouded in Smog: AQI Hits 'Poor' 300 Amid Pollution Crisis

Mumbai's Bandra area woke up to a thick layer of smog covering the neighborhood. The Air Quality Index hit 300, placing it in the 'Poor' category according to pollution control authorities. Meanwhile, Delhi has activated Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan to combat rising pollution levels. The measures include water sprinkling, dust control, and enhanced parking fees to improve air quality.

Key Points: Mumbai Bandra Smog AQI 300 Poor Air Quality Delhi GRAP

  • Mumbai's Bandra area recorded AQI of 300 in 'Poor' category on Wednesday
  • Delhi implements Stage 2 GRAP measures immediately to tackle pollution
  • Commission orders water sprinkling and dust suppressants on roads daily
  • Enhanced parking fees and traffic synchronization to reduce vehicle emissions
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Mumbai's Bandra area shrouded in smog; AQI hits 300 in 'Poor' category

Mumbai's Bandra area faces thick smog with AQI hitting 300 'Poor' category, while Delhi implements Stage 2 GRAP measures to combat worsening air pollution.

"Actions under Stage I & II of the extant GRAP shall be implemented, monitored, and reviewed in earnest - CAQM Order"

Mumbai, October 22

A thick layer of smog blanketed the Bandra area of Mumbai on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 300 in the 'Poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Meanwhile, in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect, from Sunday, to tackle rising pollution levels.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the 'poor' category (between 201-300 AQI) for the past few days amid Diwali celebrations across the region. As of 4 PM on Sunday, Delhi recorded an AQI of 296, according to the CPCB.

"Actions under Stage I & II of the extant GRAP shall be implemented, monitored, and reviewed in earnest by all concerned agencies in the entire NCR to ensure that AQI levels do not slip further. All implementing agencies shall maintain a strict vigil and intensify measures to the extent specified in the GRAP schedule. Citizens may be requested to strictly adhere to the citizen charter under GRAP Stage I & II," the CAQM order read.

The commission further directed all concerned agencies to follow the actions. It targeted timelines outlined in its comprehensive policy to curb air pollution in the NCR, with a special focus on dust mitigation measures in the Delhi-NCR region.

"Ensure water sprinkling along with use of dust suppressants (at least every alternate day, during non-peak hours) on roads to arrest road dust, especially at hotspots, heavy traffic corridors, vulnerable areas and proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills," CAQM mentioned in an official statement.

The order also recommended enhancing vehicle parking fees to discourage private transport, synchronising traffic movements, deploying adequate personnel at intersections, and alerting people through newspapers, TV, and radio regarding air pollution levels. It also advised providing citizens with 'Do's and Don'ts' to minimise polluting activities.

According to the CPCB, an AQI of 0-50 is classified as "good," 51-100 as "satisfactory," 101-200 as "moderate," 201-300 as "poor," 301-400 as "very poor," and 401-500 as "severe."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Same situation in Delhi too. After Diwali, the air quality has become terrible. We need to think about sustainable celebrations next year. Firecrackers are beautiful but the pollution isn't worth it.
A
Aditya G
While the GRAP measures are good, implementation is the real challenge. We see water sprinkling trucks but they come once in a blue moon. The authorities need to be more consistent with these measures.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Mumbai recently, the air quality is concerning. My child has developed breathing issues. We need more green spaces and better urban planning to combat this pollution crisis.
K
Karthik V
The construction dust from all the ongoing projects in Mumbai is a major contributor. The authorities should mandate proper covering of construction sites and regular water sprinkling around these areas.
M
Michael C
I appreciate the government's efforts with GRAP, but increasing parking fees will only burden the common people. Instead, they should improve the public transport system first. The local trains and buses need to be more reliable and comfortable.
N
Nisha Z
We citizens also need to take responsibility. Carpooling, using public transport, and avoiding unnecessary vehicle trips can make a difference. Let's all do our bit for cleaner air! 🌱

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