Once again, the battle of pollution levels is on, this time between Mumbai and Delhi. While Delhi has been a frequent subject of concern due to its air pollution woes, Mumbai has now outpaced the national capital in this regard, with certain areas reporting an Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300.
The air quality in Mumbai, according to data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) at 9 am, fell within the ‘moderate’ category with an AQI of 113. In contrast, Delhi’s air quality today is in the ‘satisfactory’ category, with an overall AQI of 83, as per SAFAR.
In Mumbai, SAFAR data revealed that the air quality at Kalanagar in the Bandra Kurla area touched 178. Other areas like Worli, Bhandup, and Borivali had AQI readings of 139, 131, and 135, respectively, indicating ‘moderate’ air quality. However, some areas in Mumbai experienced ‘very poor’ air quality. For instance, Andheri recorded an AQI of 346, Navi Mumbai saw an AQI of 311, and Mazgaon had an AQI of 307, based on SAFAR’s 9 am data. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data also showed areas like Vile Parle West with an AQI of 331 and Chakala Andheri East with an AQI of 343.
Delhi, on the other hand, saw improved air quality after light rain on Monday night. According to SAFAR data at 9 am, AQI at Lodhi Road registered at 63, Delhi airport (T3) recorded an AQI of 56, and IIT Delhi saw an AQI of 45. In Noida, Mathura Road, and IIT Delhi, the air quality was classified as ‘good’ with AQI readings of 37, 27, and 45, respectively, as per SAFAR data. Meanwhile, CPCB data indicated that hotspots like Wazirpur, RK Puram, Rohini, and Jahangirpuri recorded ‘moderate’ category air with AQI values at 155, 184, 135, and 171, respectively.
To provide context, the AQI scale categorizes air quality as follows: 0-50 (‘good’), 51-100 (‘satisfactory’), 101-200 (‘moderate’), 201-300 (‘poor’), 301-400 (‘very poor’), and 401-450 (‘severe’). When AQI exceeds 450, it is considered ‘severe.’
