Reported by Mumbai Mirror
As Mumbai’s air quality deteriorates in the post-monsoon season, Mulund and Borivli East have emerged as the city’s cleanest pockets, with their proximity to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and extensive green cover helping keep pollution levels relatively low. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, vast open spaces and dense tree cover act as natural buffers against air pollution, absorbing particulate matter and mitigating its impact.
Official Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring data for October shows a sharp contrast between the green-buffered suburbs and the city’s commercial hubs.
Mulund recorded the month’s lowest AQI of 37 on October 1. Even on October 16, its most polluted day of the month, the AQI stood at 98, remaining within the ‘satisfactory’ category. Borivli East, located close to SGNP, also benefited from its proximity to forest cover. The area recorded an AQI of 58 on October 1, while its highest reading was 121 on October 18.
Open spaces, contiguous urban forests, and lower vehicle density near green zones like SGNP play a decisive role in maintaining localized air quality. Tree cover acts as a natural sink for dust particles and pollutants,” a senior civic official said.
