Mumbai

A surge in construction activity and vehicular emissions is driving the recent spike in Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI), experts said on Sunday, as several city pockets slipped into the ‘severe’ category despite the overall average AQI being a ‘moderate’ 104.

IIT-B climate scientist Angshuman Modak said dust from large-scale infrastructure projects and rising traffic remain the primary contributors. Mumbai and its satellite cities are witnessing massive urban transformation — Metro lines, road and bridge works, and redevelopment of slums and old buildings into high-rises.

IMD scientist Sushma Nair added that seasonal meteorological conditions are worsening the pollution. Clear skies, low winds and temperature inversion trap cold air — and pollutants — close to the ground. Tall buildings further disrupt airflow needed to disperse particulate matter.

Political criticism has also intensified. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray blamed the Maharashtra government, alleging “corruption-driven, unplanned development” as the cause of pollution.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said it is taking multiple measures, including shifting bakeries and crematoriums to cleaner fuels, introducing electric buses, managing construction debris, and intensifying road-sprinkling operations.

The civic body has previously issued 28 guidelines for construction sites, including mandatory fencing, dust covers, debris controls and air-quality monitoring. It recently halted work at 53 sites for violations.

The BMC said 662 sensor-based AQI monitors have been installed at construction sites, but 117 are inactive. Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi warned of strict action against non-compliant developers through ward-level squads.

Bakeries have also been identified as pollution contributors. Out of 593 units, 209 already use clean fuel, 57 have switched recently, 75 are in transition, and 88 have applied for piped natural gas.

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Air pollution poses serious health risks, the WHO warns, including stroke, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, and potential links to diabetes, low-birth weight and cognitive decline.