As of Thursday morning, Mumbai’s air quality remains in the ‘moderate’ category, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 126, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR-India).
At 10:00 am on Thursday, the air quality in Colaba was rated as “satisfactory” with an AQI of 77, while BKC (Kalanagar) hovered close to the ‘poor’ category, recording an AQI of 193.
The Air Quality Index categorizes air quality as follows: 0 to 100 (good), 100 to 200 (moderate), 200 to 300 (poor), 300 to 400 (very poor), and 400 to 500 or above (severe).
Designed to simplify complex air quality data, the AQI serves as a tool for effectively communicating air quality status to the public.
It condenses diverse pollutant data into a single numerical value, facilitating easy comprehension through nomenclature and color coding.
In response to rising pollution concerns, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on November 21 that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been instructed to consider cloud seeding if necessary.
Shinde disclosed that the civic body has engaged with a Dubai-based company renowned for its 100% accuracy in cloud seeding.
An MoU is expected to be formalized soon.
Shinde reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling Mumbai’s pollution crisis, affirming that cloud seeding would be explored if deemed essential. This announcement came during the CM’s inspection of dust and air pollution control measures at Jogger’s Park in suburban Bandra.
Addressing the ongoing efforts, the BMC declared that 584 kilometers of roads across 24 civic wards are regularly cleaned and washed using 121 tankers and specialized machines to manage dust and combat air pollution.
During his inspection, CM Shinde observed advanced machinery for dust removal and fogger machines, providing instructions to civic personnel for effective pollution control measures.
