Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 202 on Wednesday, entering the ‘severe’ category, according to live AQI monitoring. While carbon monoxide levels remained in the ‘good’ range at 302, the high PM2.5 concentration of 122 µg/m³, over eight times the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit, has raised serious health concerns for city residents.

Over the past fortnight, Mumbai’s AQI has fluctuated between poor and severe levels, with the lowest recorded AQI being 155 on December 16 at 2:04 PM. Experts have described the persistent high pollution as alarming, noting that air quality has not returned to moderate or average levels since mid-December.

Authorities have advised citizens, especially those with respiratory illnesses, to avoid outdoor activities during early mornings and late nights and to use masks when stepping out. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data reflects that the current pollution levels pose significant risks, particularly to vulnerable groups.

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Environmental activist Sumaira Abdulali criticized the authorities for inaction, stating that while reports are being filed, practical measures to curb pollution remain inadequate. She highlighted construction as a major contributor to air pollution and called for stringent regulations to mitigate its impact, rather than relying on temporary or reactive measures.

Abdulali emphasized that Mumbai’s vision of becoming an international, world-class city is undermined by poor enforcement of pollution control. Residents are forced to bear the cost through medical bills, air purifiers, and other personal measures, while authorities fail to act decisively against polluters.

Experts note that rainfall remains the only natural mitigation measure for the city’s worsening air quality. With winter smog expected to continue, the urgent need for systemic interventions, stricter construction oversight, and public awareness campaigns is clear to protect public health and ensure sustainable urban living.

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