Deteriorating Air Quality in Mumbai Puts Residents at Risk, Sparks Concerns

Mumbai, 27th December 2024: Mumbaikars, like residents of New Delhi, are now dreading their morning walks, yoga sessions, and laughter clubs due to deteriorating air quality. The air quality index (AQI) was particularly concerning on Thursday, with visible particulate matter throughout the day. Residents are questioning whether the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s dust control measures are effective. “We hope the civic body can address unchecked construction activities,” said Rotna Das, a South Mumbai resident and activist. She added, “Our concerns often go unheard.”

As of December 25, BMC teams had visited 868 construction sites and issued notices to 28 for violating pollution control regulations. On Thursday, as part of a special initiative, the BMC cleaned 128 roads across 263 km, using sweepers, water sprinklers, misting systems, and anti-smog devices to reduce dust. They also collected 197 tons of construction debris and imposed fines totalling Rs 97,100 on defaulters. However, Bandra-based civic activist Naazish Shah criticized these measures as temporary, accusing the government of prioritizing infrastructure over citizens’ health.

Shah suggested that the authorities should better plan construction activities and avoid simultaneously digging up roads and initiating large-scale projects. “The increasing number of vehicles and constant roadwork cause severe delays in the suburbs, adding to the pollution,” she said, proposing a greater emphasis on public transportation, such as expanding BEST bus services.

Residents along the Coastal Road also complained about the BMC’s lack of response to rising pollution levels. “For the past month, I’ve been contacting the project engineers to control the dust from construction materials like cement and sand, but nothing has been done,” said Zia S, a Mahalaxmi Bay resident, noting that the dust is causing breathing difficulties.

Smog exacerbates respiratory conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and eye irritation, and can lower immunity to colds. Dr Lancelot Pinto, a pulmonologist at PD Hinduja Hospital, explained that cold weather traps pollutants such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide in the lower atmosphere, intensifying respiratory problems. Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, a pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, noted a 50% increase in patients, primarily due to flu-like illnesses and worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

He cautioned that the expected deterioration of the AQI in the coming days poses a serious risk. “It’s crucial to stay indoors during peak pollution hours, use air purifiers, and wear masks when going outside,” he advised, especially for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly. Dr. Salil Bendre, Director of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, confirmed that visits to the outpatient department for breathing problems have doubled.