Mumbai’s Air Quality Crisis – About the Smog

Mumbai has been facing air quality crisis in recent days. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 187, indicating a moderate level of pollution. However, various areas experienced much worse conditions, with some pockets recording AQI levels above 200, classified as poor. This situation has raised concerns among residents and experts alike.

Current Air Quality Situation

Mumbai’s air quality has been deteriorating due to several factors. The AQI fluctuated throughout the week, peaking at 199 on Tuesday and 288 in Colaba on Thursday. These levels have prompted discussions about the underlying causes of the smog engulfing the city.

Meteorological Factors

Low humidity and high wind speeds are crucial contributors to the current air quality crisis. Dr Gufran Beig from the National Institute of Advanced Sciences explains that dry weather and high vertical wind speed have pushed pollution upwards. This unusual combination prevents pollutants from dispersing and causes them to linger just below the inversion layer, creating a persistent haze.

Pollution Sources

Multiple sources contribute to Mumbai’s air pollution. Emissions from vehicles, construction sites, and industrial activities play role. Open burning and suspended particulate matter from construction activities exacerbate the situation. The increase in construction projects has led to more pollutants being trapped in the atmosphere, particularly during winter.

Regulatory Challenges

There are concerns regarding the enforcement of pollution regulations. Many construction sites do not adhere to environmental norms. Heavy vehicular traffic between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai adds to the pollution burden. Experts call for stricter implementation of regulations to mitigate these issues.

Measurement Accuracy Issues

Accurate measurement of air quality is vital for understanding the extent of pollution. Many of Mumbai’s air quality monitoring stations are located in greener areas, which may not reflect the true pollution levels. There are calls for better distribution of monitoring stations to cover various microenvironments, including traffic-heavy zones.

Pollutant Types

PM 2.5 has been identified as the predominant pollutant in Mumbai’s air. This fine particulate matter poses health risks. Monitoring and addressing PM 2.5 levels is crucial for improving overall air quality and safeguarding public health.

Public Health Implications

The persistent smog can have serious health consequences for residents. Exposure to poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Public awareness and governmental action are essential to combat these health risks.

Future Considerations

Addressing Mumbai’s air quality crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes improving measurement accuracy, enforcing regulations, and raising public awareness about pollution sources and health impacts. Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and citizens are necessary for meaningful change.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of urbanisation on air quality in major cities.
2. Discuss the role of meteorological conditions in influencing air pollution levels.
3. Critically discuss the effectiveness of current air quality monitoring systems in India.
4. Analyse the health impacts of air pollution, taking examples from urban areas globally.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of urbanisation on air quality in major cities.

1. Urbanisation increases vehicle density, leading to higher emissions and traffic congestion.
2. Construction activities in rapidly urbanising areas contribute to dust and particulate matter.
3. Industrial growth often accompanies urbanisation, adding to pollution through emissions.
4. Increased population density leads to greater demand for energy and resources, exacerbating pollution.
5. Green spaces often decrease in urban areas, reducing natural air purification mechanisms.

2. Discuss the role of meteorological conditions in influencing air pollution levels.

1. Humidity affects the dispersion of pollutants; low humidity can trap pollutants close to the ground.
2. Wind speed and direction influence how pollutants are distributed across urban areas.
3. Temperature inversions can prevent pollutants from rising, leading to increased concentrations at ground level.
4. Seasonal weather patterns, such as winter air stagnation, can exacerbate pollution levels.
5. Precipitation can help cleanse the air but can also lead to runoff that carries pollutants into water bodies.

3. Critically discuss the effectiveness of current air quality monitoring systems in India.

1. Many monitoring stations are located in greener areas, failing to capture true pollution levels in urban hotspots.
2. Data collection methods may lack consistency, leading to inaccuracies in reported AQI levels.
3. Limited coverage of monitoring stations fails to account for diverse microenvironments across cities.
4. Some monitoring systems, like SAFAR, have technical issues that hinder real-time data accessibility.
5. There is a need for improved technology and funding to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring systems.

4. Analyse the health impacts of air pollution, taking examples from urban areas globally.

1. Exposure to air pollution is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and premature mortality.
2. Urban areas like Beijing and Delhi have reported spikes in asthma and chronic bronchitis due to high pollution levels.
3. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of poor air quality.
4. Long-term exposure to pollutants like PM 2.5 can lead to developmental issues in children and cognitive decline in adults.
5. Public health initiatives in cities like Los Angeles have shown improvements in health outcomes through pollution reduction efforts.