The air quality in Byculla and Colaba dropped to the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday, with AQI readings exceeding 300. Five other areas—Chembur, Mazgaon, Sewri, Shivaji Nagar in Mankhurd and Siddharth Nagar in Worli—recorded an AQI between 200 and 300 (poor category). The city’s average AQI was at 188, indicating moderate levels of pollution. Even moderate levels can cause breathing difficulties in people with lung/heart disease, children and older adults. Experts said the current atmospheric conditions, particularly reduced wind speed associated with winter, have created a perfect environment for pollutants to remain suspended in the air. They suggested that these conditions will persist till wind patterns or temperatures change significantly. Local authorities are implementing various measures to control pollution levels, including regular water sprinkling at construction sites, strict enforcement of dust control norms and increased monitoring of industrial emissions. —Chittaranjan Tembhekar MSID:: 116404536 413 |
