Authorities Urged to Monitor Air Quality Along Mumbai Marathon Route as PM2.5 Surges

With the Tata Mumbai Marathon scheduled for January 18, 2026, concerns over the city’s deteriorating air quality have resurfaced, prompting environmental advocacy group Awaaz Foundation to urge civic and pollution control authorities to implement immediate safeguards for participants, volunteers, and spectators. In a letter sent on January 12 to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the foundation highlighted worsening pollution levels across Mumbai since early January, characterized by persistent haze in several areas.

Sumaira Abdulali, founder of the Awaaz Foundation, emphasized the heightened risks posed by elevated PM2.5 concentrations, particularly during intense physical activity. “When people run a marathon, their inhalation rate increases significantly, so it becomes important to know exactly what levels of PM2.5 they are breathing in along the route,” she said. The foundation referenced its own monitoring conducted along the marathon route last year, which recorded PM2.5 levels ranging from 95 µg/m³ to over 150 µg/m³ during early morning hours—far exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board’s 24-hour standard of 60 µg/m³. Abdulali called for route-specific, advance air quality monitoring using MPCB’s mobile vans, transparent public disclosure of data, and temporary curbs on construction or other polluting activities along the course.

A senior BMC official acknowledged that air quality has remained in the “poor” range (AQI 110–114) at several locations over the past week, with isolated spikes above 200 µg/m³ for PM2.5 in areas like Deonar. The official noted that non-reference instruments may produce unreliable readings and expressed confidence that levels could be managed below 100 with better planning in future years. Meanwhile, an MPCB official cited logistical challenges from last year—including traffic restrictions, lack of permission to station vans on roads, and unavailability of power supply—while confirming that discussions with BMC are ongoing to resolve these issues for potential deployment this time.

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Procam International, the event organizer, responded by reaffirming its commitment to participant safety and environmental responsibility. Vice-President of Corporate Communications Neha Kandalgaonkar stated that the marathon incorporates measures such as intensive road cleaning, dust suppression through mist blowers and water sprinkling, real-time environmental monitoring, and early-morning scheduling to leverage favorable conditions. This year, coordination with Mumbai Police has enabled a coastal route, which benefits from early-morning sea breezes to improve air movement and comfort. A comprehensive medical plan, in partnership with Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, further strengthens support along the course and at the finish line.

The renewed focus on air quality underscores the challenges of hosting large-scale outdoor events in a densely populated, pollution-prone metropolis like Mumbai, especially during winter when inversion layers and stagnant weather often trap pollutants. As the marathon approaches, stakeholders are expected to intensify coordination to ensure the well-being of the thousands of runners and attendees expected to participate. The BMC has forwarded Awaaz Foundation’s letter internally for necessary action, while all parties await the final steps on monitoring and mitigation measures.

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