Bronte Wells
Mumbai, a bustling metropolis, is taking strides to tackle its air pollution crisis, which poses a severe health threat to its citizens. With air pollution causing 13 deaths per minute globally, the city's high population density exacerbates the impact of toxic air. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are key drivers in implementing policies and strategies to improve air quality. From installing air purifiers in crowded areas to promoting sustainable transport and waste management, Mumbai is making efforts to combat its deteriorating air quality. This complex issue requires both government intervention and community action, with citizens encouraged to utilise public transport, carpool, and familiarise themselves with air pollution data.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 84 (Moderate level) |
| Real-time air pollution | PM2.5 (27µg/m³), PM10 (66µg/m³), Temperature (30°C) |
| Major contributing factors | Road and construction dust, traffic congestion, industries, power sector, waste burning |
| Strategies to reduce air pollution | Installation of air purifiers in crowded areas, sustainable and clean transport measures, waste management initiatives, hotspot monitoring, creation of Clean Air Coordination Committee, technological solutions like virtual chimneys and air purification streetlights |
| Government intervention | Maharashtra government issued guidelines for air pollution mitigation; Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a seven-step strategy under the 'Clean Air Mumbai' initiative |
| Community intervention | Environmentalists suggest investing in efficient public transport, car-pooling, and active transportation like cycling or walking for short distances |
| Health impact | Air pollution causes respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, and contributes to fatalities |
| Economic impact | Air pollution resulted in estimated losses of US $2.9 billion in 2020-21 |
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What You'll Learn
Invest in efficient public transport
Investing in efficient public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recognised this and has included sustainable transport measures in its seven-step strategy to reduce air pollution. This includes the electrification of BMC vehicles, the procurement of 3000 electric BEST buses, and the conversion of old BMC diesel/petrol vehicles into CNG vehicles.
The B. E. S. T. Undertaking, which carries more passengers than the Central and Western Railways put together, has always considered other modes to improve the city's transport conditions. For example, an underground railway was first proposed in 1924, and the scheme was revisited in 1956 and 1962, but it could not be implemented due to a lack of investment.
The Mumbai Metro network is set to transform the city's public transport system, making it safe, efficient, comfortable, and clean. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the government's metro expansion plans with a $926 million loan to operationalize 58 km of the network. The first phase of the project became operational in April 2022, and thousands of commuters are already benefiting from it.
The ADB support will be used to acquire 576 energy-efficient rolling stock carriages with modern signalling and control systems, as well as to establish the Mumbai Metro Rail Organization to manage the operation and maintenance of all upcoming metro lines.
By investing in efficient public transport, Mumbai can reduce pollution, improve mobility, and provide a safe and comfortable commute for its citizens.
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Reduce traffic congestion
Mumbai has a high density of cars on its roads, with 4.1 million vehicles causing congestion during peak hours. The city has only two major highways connecting the north and south, and the metro construction has reduced lanes on some roads. To reduce traffic congestion, the following measures can be implemented:
Improve public transport
According to Gautam Kirtane, a research fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, investing in efficient public transport is one of the simplest ways to bring down pollution. He suggests that if the government provides good public transport, people will use it. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to electrify its vehicles and provide charging infrastructure, with 3000 electric buses being procured. Upgrading to electric vehicles will reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Encourage carpooling and active travel
Environmentalists suggest that citizens familiarise themselves with bus and train routes and opt for carpooling or bus trips instead of individual car commutes. Carpooling is popular in Europe and the USA and is gradually catching on in Mumbai. For shorter trips, walking or cycling instead of driving can also help to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Implement intelligent traffic management systems
Globally, cities with similar traffic densities to Mumbai have used real-time traffic data and technology to reduce congestion. For example, Tokyo has one of the world's most sophisticated traffic management systems, which has been critical in alleviating congestion. By integrating Google Maps with traffic management devices such as signals and speed limits, Mumbai can also improve its traffic flow.
Improve road infrastructure
Heavy encroachment and bottleneck areas in the suburbs cause heavy congestion during peak hours. Better road infrastructure planning and design can help to reduce congestion in these areas.
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Improve waste management
Mumbai generates over 11,000 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) per day, most of which is dumped or illegally burnt. Less than 10% of this waste is segregated, and even less is treated. Improper waste management creates air, soil, and water pollution, and mixed waste is either sent to dumping grounds or burnt.
To improve waste management in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a seven-step strategy with an objective to reduce air pollution emissions, which includes sustainable waste management measures. Here are some ways in which waste management can be improved in Mumbai:
- Segregation of Waste: One of the main causes of the waste crisis in Mumbai is the lack of segregation at the source. Most of the waste generated is unsegregated, making it difficult to recycle or process. It is important to segregate waste into categories such as dry waste, wet waste, plastic waste, and hazardous waste.
- Communication and Awareness Campaigns: BMC plans to partner with mainstream media to run air pollution awareness campaigns and promote sustainable waste management practices. Eco-clubs can be formed in schools and colleges to educate students about an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
- Training and Collaboration: Sanitation workers can be trained in better road dust cleaning practices, and NGOs can be collaborated with to promote and conserve the environment.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: The ban on waste burning should be strictly monitored and enforced to reduce air pollution.
- Construction of Waste-to-Energy Plants: BMC is constructing a 'Waste to Energy' plant at the Deonar dumping ground, which will help in managing the waste generated in the city.
- Biomining and Hazardous Waste Processing: The legacy waste at Deonar dumping ground can be addressed through biomining, and domestic hazardous waste processing units can be installed at multiple locations.
- Decentralized Waste Management: A decentralized approach to waste management can help solve the waste crisis in Mumbai. This involves the concerted effort of consumers, government bodies, NGOs, and producers to ensure proper waste segregation, collection, transportation, storage, and recycling.
- Community Initiatives: Organizations like Earth5R are working at the community level to bring about behavioral change and promote sustainable waste management practices. They provide training programs to create awareness about carbon footprints and impart skills for upcycling and recycling.
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Implement air purification systems
Mumbai's air pollution is a significant health concern, and improving the city's air quality requires a multi-faceted approach. One critical strategy is the implementation of air purification systems, which can have a direct and positive impact on the air that citizens breathe.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recognised the importance of air purification and has included it in its seven-step strategy to reduce air pollution in Mumbai. As part of this initiative, the BMC announced plans to install air purifiers in five of the city's most crowded areas: Dahisar toll naka, Mulund check naka, Mankhurd, Kalanagar junction, and Haji Ali junction. This targeted approach aims to improve the air quality in areas where citizens are most vulnerable to the effects of pollution.
To further enhance the effectiveness of air purification systems in Mumbai, the following measures can be considered:
- Hotspot Monitoring and Hyper-Local Monitoring: This involves identifying areas with high levels of air pollution and implementing targeted interventions. By closely monitoring these hotspots, the city can deploy additional air purifiers or implement supplementary measures to address specific pollution sources.
- Clean Air Coordination Committee: Establishing a committee that includes all agencies and partners related to air pollution in Mumbai's air shed can facilitate collaboration and coordinated action. Regular meetings can help identify new strategies, share best practices, and address challenges in maintaining and operating air purification systems effectively.
- Partnerships with Pollution-Emitting Industries: Engaging in active coordination with refineries, power plants, and other pollution-emitting companies can lead to the implementation of effective pollution control measures at the source. This may include adopting new technologies, improving existing practices, or investing in air purification systems within these industries.
- Community Awareness and Education: Educating the community about the importance of air quality and the benefits of air purification systems can foster a sense of collective responsibility. This can include raising awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution and providing information on how individuals can contribute to the maintenance and optimisation of air purifiers in their neighbourhoods.
- Integration with Public Transport and Infrastructure: As Mumbai continues to improve its public transport system, there is an opportunity to integrate air purification technology into buses, trains, and other modes of transportation. This two-pronged approach can help reduce both traffic-related pollution and the overall air pollution levels in the city.
By implementing these strategies and utilising air purification systems effectively, Mumbai can make significant strides towards improving the air quality and, consequently, the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Monitor and control construction dust
Mumbai is facing a construction boom, with old buildings being demolished to make way for high-rises. This rampant construction activity, along with roadwork, accounts for over 71% of the particulate matter in the city's air, which is responsible for respiratory illnesses. To combat this, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a seven-step strategy under the 'Clean Air Mumbai' initiative.
One of the critical steps in reducing construction dust is the enforcement of sustainable and clean construction and demolition guidelines for builders. Project proponents will be directed to implement measures to control dust from construction sites. This includes providing dust screens and ensuring regular water sprinkling to suppress dust. Builders and construction companies will be held accountable for adhering to these guidelines, with penalties for non-compliance.
Additionally, the BMC is focusing on hotspot monitoring, or "hyper-local monitoring," to identify areas with high construction dust levels. This data will influence the city's action plan and direct resources to the most affected areas. The formation of a Clean Air Coordination Committee will also bring together all agencies and partners related to air pollution, allowing for better coordination and the implementation of effective dust control measures.
To further mitigate construction dust, the BMC is investing in electric vehicles and infrastructure. This includes the procurement of 3000 electric BEST buses and the electrification of BMC vehicles. By reducing the number of fossil fuel-powered cars on the road, there will be a decrease in traffic congestion and, consequently, less roadwork and construction dust.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board plays a crucial role in framing air pollution policies. However, it currently lacks the manpower to effectively monitor and mitigate construction dust. Increasing their resources and personnel will enable more robust and regular air quality monitoring, with real-time updates, to better tackle construction dust pollution in Mumbai.
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Frequently asked questions
The main causes of pollution in Mumbai are road and construction dust, traffic congestion, industries, the power sector, and waste burning.
The government can take several measures to control pollution in Mumbai, including:
- Creating a Clean Air Coordination Committee that includes all agencies and partners related to air pollution in Mumbai.
- Implementing sustainable and clean transport measures, such as electrifying BMC vehicles and providing charging infrastructure.
- Encouraging the use of public transport and reducing the number of individual car commutes.
- Enforcing the Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, to reduce dust from construction sites.
- Installing air purification systems in select gardens and public spaces.
Individuals can play a crucial role in controlling pollution in Mumbai by:
- Opting for public transport, carpooling, or walking for short distances instead of using private cars.
- Familiarising themselves with the city's bus and train routes.
- Supporting and participating in communication and awareness campaigns about air pollution.
- Monitoring air pollution data released by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and staying informed about the city's air quality.
Some technological measures that have been identified to control air pollution in Mumbai include:
- Fitting vehicle-mounted air filters on buses.
- Setting up virtual chimneys at traffic congestion spots to filter the air.
- Installing special streetlights with air purification technology.
- Using fog cannons to sprinkle water and reduce dust particles in the air.
