Mumbai: The city has been experiencing its coldest winters in decades and as temperatures drop in the city, the air quality appears to have deteriorated. In recent weeks, Mumbai has seen smog in the air even during the highest afternoon temperatures. Concerns have arisen about the declining air quality as it has been lacking visibility in the vicinity.
Mumbai’s AQI Today
The Air Quality Index (AQI) currently reads 188, indicating moderate air quality in the city, though it is quickly declining to poor air quality. The AQI scale categorises air quality as ‘good’ from 0-50, ‘satisfactory’ from 51-100, ‘moderate’ from 101-200, ‘poor’ between 201-300, ‘very poor’ from 301-400, and anything higher than 400 as ‘severe.’
December 20 visuals from Nariman Point at 8:20 AM | Manasi Kamble/GPlus
Netizens React
Many people have took the air quality issue on social media raising concerns about the depleting air quality in the city. In the visuals shared we can experience lack of visibility as the smog takes over.
Former well-known Journalist, Sucheta Dalal, has taken her concerns on her X (formerly Twitter) handle (@suchetadalal) where in a video she captures the Bandra-Worli bridge vanished due to smog highlighting the visibility issue faced in the city.
She shared a video with a caption that says, “Breaking news! The Worli-Bandra bridge has vanished!! Yes-vanished into thick smog. But don’t worry. Remain focused on Mandir-Masjid- pollution is going to reduce your lifespan by 5 years anyway! Why worry? allow netas & babus to make money ! Not our concern, no??’
Another X user (@Shubham_docx) says this year has been so much enjoyable, but the smog is unlike ever seen.
Another X user (@Arushi8395) has raised her concerns about worsening air quality levels tagging BMC in her caption along with photos dating 15 days earlier showing the bad conditions of roads, urging that this air pollution is not just because of the big constructions but bad roads.
A thread on X has raised health related concerns in his thread that maybe caused due to the air pollution in a thread.
Adverse Effects Of Poor Air Quality In City
Certain populations are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution, such as children, seniors, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Low air quality in urban areas can lead to numerous adverse impacts on health and the environment, such as:
Impact on health
Air pollution can lead to various health issues, such as:
Breathing problems: Air pollution may complicate breathing, provoke asthma episodes, and lead to coughing and wheezing.
Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions: Air pollution may raise the likelihood of heart disease and strokes.
Cancer: Air pollution may elevate the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Additional illnesses: Air pollution may elevate the likelihood of respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and various other conditions.
Neurological disorders: Exposure to air pollution may elevate the likelihood of developing neurological disorders like cognitive decline and dementia.
Birth results: Air pollution may elevate the chances of stillbirth, miscarriage, and having a low birth weight.
An X user has posted about the visibility issue that has taken over the city as the AQI today marks above 180.
Here are the videos captured today in the Bandra area, depicting the smog that has obscured much of the city’s visibility.
Impact Of Smog On Environment
Air pollution may lead to the ozone hole, resulting in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. This may elevate the risk of skin cancer in people, harm plants, and hinder the growth of fish and amphibians.
