Mumbai chokes as AQI surges after Deepavali

Mumbai wakened on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) morning to a metropolis shrouded in smog, the aftermath of Deepavali celebrations that noticed widespread use of firecrackers. The air high quality throughout the metropolis deteriorated sharply in a single day, with a number of neighbourhoods recording AQI (Air Quality Index) ranges within the ‘unhealthy’ and ‘extreme’ classes. The metropolis’s skyline was obscured by a thick layer of particulate matter that hung low and refused to disperse.

According to real-time knowledge from AQI.in, Bandra Kurla Complex registered an AQI of 261, putting it within the ‘extreme’ class. Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar adopted with a studying of 213, whereas Chakala in Andheri East recorded 194. Even residential zones equivalent to Borivali West and Bhoiwada confirmed AQI ranges of 188 and 191 respectively, indicating that the air pollution was not confined to business hubs alone.

According to real-time monitoring by IQAir, the city-wide common AQI hovered round 174 on Tuesday morning, putting Mumbai within the ‘unhealthy’ class. PM2.5 concentrations stood at 89 µg/m³, almost six occasions the World Health Organization’s really helpful secure restrict of 15 µg/m³. PM10 ranges had been additionally elevated at 132 µg/m³, contributing to the dense particulate matter suspended within the air.

The AQI is split into six classes by the World Air Quality Index Project. An AQI between 0 and 50 is taken into account ‘good’, whereas 51 to 100 is ‘reasonable’. Levels between 101 and 150 are ‘unhealthy for delicate teams’, and 151 to 200 are ‘unhealthy’ for the final inhabitants. Readings between 201 and 300 fall into the ‘very unhealthy’ bracket, and something above 301 is deemed ‘hazardous’, with severe well being dangers for all.

Experts attribute the spike in air pollution to the in depth use of firecrackers throughout Deepavali, compounded by seasonal meteorological situations. Low wind speeds, temperature inversion, and excessive humidity have trapped pollution near the bottom, stopping their dispersion. The metropolis’s Air Quality Early Warning System has flagged a number of zones for continued poor air high quality, with forecasts indicating little aid within the coming days.

While Mumbai has seen periodic spikes in air pollution through the years, the post-Deepavali surge has change into an annual concern. Environmental activists, together with Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation, have lengthy argued that with out stricter regulation on firecracker gross sales and extra sustainable city planning, town will proceed to undergo from episodic air high quality crises.

“The rains continued till simply earlier than Deepavali, so the distinction between clear air and the disruption brought on by firecrackers is extra stark than ever. You can draw a direct correlation; not solely does the AQI worsen, however we’ve been conducting research for a few years that present what’s really within the air throughout these spikes. The pollution that contribute to the AQI are poisonous and dangerous to human well being. This clearly exhibits why individuals shouldn’t be bursting crackers,” she defined.

According to well being advisories issued by air high quality monitoring platforms equivalent to IQAir and AQI.in, residents are urged to keep away from strenuous outside actions, notably throughout early mornings and late evenings when air pollution ranges are likely to peak. The use of N95 masks is really helpful when stepping open air, and air purifiers are suggested for indoor areas. Individuals with respiratory or cardiac situations are particularly cautioned to observe signs and restrict publicity during times of elevated air pollution.