Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata saw PM2.5 levels rise from 2019 to 2022, indicating a deterioration in air quality, as per an analysis by Respirer Reports (RR), circulated by Climate Trends, a research-based consulting and capacity building initiative. In the January-March quarter, Mumbai saw a steady deterioration in air quality with PM2.5 levels consistently going up from 50.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2019 to 80.6 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, a jump of 60.5%. During the October-December quarter in 2022, the average PM2.5 concentration went up compared to 2021, but was slightly less than the corresponding quarter in 2020. RR is a division of Respirer Living Sciences based in Pune.
The findings are a clear indication for Mumbai to increase concerted efforts towards reducing carbon emissions. Aarti Khosla, director, Climate Trends said, “The RR analysis reflects that there has been improvement in the Indo-Gangetic Plain cities over the last few years. However, deeper research is required to be able to attribute this improvement to sources of emissions and meteorological factors. For example, why in December 2022 did missing winter rains aggravate pollution levels across the Indo-Gangetic Plain? Or, what impacted the high PM levels in Mumbai in January-March this year? While measures like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana or hyperlocal developments like the peripheral highways around Delhi are positive actions, there is a need for a scientific approach to address air quality management in a sustained manner through an airshed approach.”
Among locations monitored by SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) on Tuesday, Navi Mumbai recorded an AQI of 201, Malad 200, Mazgaon 170, and Andheri 161, all in the poor to moderate categories. Colaba was the most polluted location, with an AQI of 318, the stated reasons being a reduction in wind speed coupled with high humidity.
