Mumbai's AQI jumps to 197: What's behind the rising air pollution in the city?

Mumbai’s air quality has deteriorated sharply in early October, with rising levels of fine particulate matter pushing pollution into the poor and unhealthy categories across several parts of the city. The AQI jumped to 197 on Thursday night.

The worsening air comes as the city transitions out of the monsoon, raising concerns about the return of pollution that often accompanies the cooler, drier months.

According to live air quality data updated on October 9, Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 137 on the US scale, placing it in the poor category. The concentration of PM2.5 stood at 51 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM10 levels reached 62 micrograms per cubic metre.

Historical data show that PM2.5 pollution has climbed significantly since the end of September. Concentrations that were largely below 60 micrograms per cubic metre during much of September rose sharply around October 1, when levels approached 140 micrograms per cubic metre. Photo: AQI.inAfter fluctuating over the following days, PM2.5 reached a reported peak of 150 micrograms per cubic metre on October 8.

The data also shows that Mumbai’s daily PM2.5 exposure exceeded the World Health Organization’s recommended 24-hour guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic metre on 28 of the 30 days monitored.