Brian Barton
Mumbai, India's financial capital and one of the world's most populous cities, has been battling air pollution for years. The city's air quality has been a growing concern, with construction, waste management, and industrial activities contributing to the deterioration of air quality. In 2018, Greenpeace India ranked Mumbai as the 37th most polluted city in the country. More recently, in October 2023, IQAir data showed that Mumbai was the second most polluted major global city. The city's pollution levels have sparked health concerns, with respiratory issues and other illnesses on the rise. Authorities have implemented measures to combat pollution, but the effectiveness of these actions remains to be seen. This raises important questions about the future of Mumbai's environment and the well-being of its residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 83 (Moderate) |
| PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI | 121 |
| PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI | 70 |
| NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI | 2 |
| SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI | 15 |
| O3 (ozone) AQI | 12 |
| CO (carbon monoxide) AQI | 1 |
| World's most polluted city ranking | 7th |
| Air quality compared to smoking | Equivalent to 1.1 cigarettes a day |
| Worst AQI level in the last 24 hours | 85 (Moderate) at 9:09 PM, July 7, 2025 |
| Best AQI level in the last 24 hours | 71 (Moderate) at 7:09 AM, July 8, 2025 |
| Air pollution control measures | Prohibiting garbage burning, road cleaning, strict controls on industrial emissions, smooth traffic flow, strict vehicle PUC standards |
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What You'll Learn
- Mumbai is the world's sixth most polluted city
- Pollution sources: traffic, construction, industry, automobiles
- Health impacts: respiratory issues, COPD, allergic rhinitis
- Pollution control measures: anti-smog machines, banning garbage burning
- Pollution mitigation plans: sustainable transport, renewable energy
Mumbai is the world's sixth most polluted city
Mumbai, India's financial capital and one of the world's most populous cities, is facing a major air pollution crisis. In October 2023, Swiss group IQAir ranked Mumbai as the world's sixth most polluted city. The city's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 160, placing it behind Delhi, the most polluted megacity in India, with an index value of 135.
The primary sources of pollution in Mumbai are traffic, construction, and industrial units in residential areas. The city is witnessing a construction boom, with projects underway at 6,000 locations, including new coastal roads and metro lines to ease congestion. This has resulted in an increase in road and construction dust, which accounts for 29% of the airborne particulate matter. In addition, the illegal burning of waste products and poor planning for transportation contribute to the city's poor air quality.
The health implications of Mumbai's air pollution are significant. Jalil Parkar, a pulmonologist at Lilavati Hospital, reported that 70% of patients visiting the outpatient department exhibited symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, body ache, and breathlessness, which he attributed to high air pollution and changing weather patterns. The economic impact is also substantial, with the loss in output due to premature deaths and morbidity from air pollution amounting to 1.36% of India's GDP in 2019.
To address the issue, Mumbai city authorities have implemented several measures. They have ordered builders to erect 11-meter-high barricades at construction sites and issued guidelines to control dust. Additionally, anti-smog machines will be used to spray water and reduce dust particles along major roads, and the burning of garbage in open grounds has been banned. However, the Maharashtra state government's pollution mitigation plans have been criticised for not adequately addressing pollution from industry and automobiles, which are major contributors to the city's air pollution.
Mumbai's air pollution is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. The city's authorities and residents must work together to implement stringent action plans to control construction, waste management, and emissions from vehicles and industries. By prioritising sustainable practices and improving air quality, Mumbai can strive to create a healthier environment for its citizens.
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Pollution sources: traffic, construction, industry, automobiles
Mumbai is one of the most polluted cities in India, with air pollution levels exceeding safety standards. The primary sources of pollution in the city include traffic, construction, industry, and automobiles, which contribute to poor air quality and respiratory health issues among residents.
Traffic and vehicular emissions are major contributors to Mumbai's air pollution. The high density of vehicles on the roads, with approximately 66% of registered vehicles plying on Mumbai's roads, leads to significant on-road emissions. The fuel efficiency of these vehicles is also lower than lab-based studies, further exacerbating the problem. Road traffic emissions consist of exhaust emissions, released by tailpipes, and non-exhaust emissions from sources such as tire abrasion, brake wear, and road dust resuspension. While the Indian government has implemented emission and fuel standards to regulate tailpipe emissions, non-exhaust emissions remain a significant challenge, contributing up to 90% of PM10 road traffic emissions.
Construction activity is another significant source of pollution in Mumbai. The booming real estate development has led to an increase in construction sites, which generate dust and release various pollutants into the air. The local municipality has introduced initiatives such as sprinklers, vehicle tire-washing stations, and proper disposal of construction materials to mitigate the impact of construction activities on air quality. However, a collective effort is needed to address the range of pollutants arising from construction, including dust, industrial chemicals, and unauthorised garages near slums.
Industrial activities and waste burning also play a role in Mumbai's air pollution. The presence of industrial units in residential areas, the burning of waste products, and the release of industrial chemicals contribute to the city's poor air quality. Additionally, power generation and biomass burning for cooking are other industrial-related sources of pollution.
Automobiles remain a significant contributor to air pollution in Mumbai. The number of registered vehicles in the city has doubled within a decade, leading to increased vehicular density and emissions. The high vehicular density, with 1014 vehicles per kilometre, results in congestion and elevated pollution levels. To address this issue, individuals are encouraged to carpool, use public transportation, and transition to greener fuels.
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Health impacts: respiratory issues, COPD, allergic rhinitis
Mumbai, a megacity with a population of over 12 million, is experiencing acute air pollution due to commercial activity and a boom in construction. The air quality in Mumbai is at its worst from November to February, during the winter months, when there is considerably less rainfall to cleanse the air.
Mumbai's poor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory issues such as persistent coughs, breathlessness, wheezing, and colds have been on the rise in the city, with doctors attributing these ailments to poor air quality. According to a study, nearly 40-50% of patients visiting outpatient departments in hospitals complained of upper respiratory cough, cold, and dizziness. The impact of air pollution on children's health is also a growing concern, with pediatricians reporting a sharp increase in the number of children seeking medical help for allergic rhinitis. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution due to their outdoor play activity, higher breathing rates, and underdeveloped detoxification systems.
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages that can cause symptoms such as a blocked nose, sneezing, and conjunctivitis. It is often triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites, but air pollution can also be a contributing factor. In Mumbai, the high levels of particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air have been linked to the increase in allergic rhinitis cases. A study of 190 children between the ages of one and five found that 55 had allergic rhinitis, with similar studies reporting an increase in respiratory allergies in children as young as 18 months.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It is often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution. In the context of Mumbai's poor air quality, COPD has been identified as one of the illnesses that can be attributed to exposure to high levels of pollutants. The financial burden of treating COPD and other health impacts of air pollution in Mumbai is significant, with the total cost estimated at millions of dollars.
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Pollution control measures: anti-smog machines, banning garbage burning
Mumbai, India's financial capital and home to about 20 million people, has been ranked as the 37th most polluted city in the country. The city's air pollution is mainly due to road and construction dust, industrial units in residential areas, and the illegal burning of waste products.
To tackle this issue, the city plans to implement several pollution control measures. One such measure is the use of anti-smog machines. In October 2023, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced its acquisition of 30 'anti-smog guns' or 'fogging canons' to combat air pollution, especially during the winter months when air pollution is typically at its worst. These mobile machines disperse water to settle suspended dust particles in the air, preventing them from being inhaled. However, experts have questioned the sustainability of this approach, noting that while it temporarily suppresses dust by making it heavy enough to settle, the dust will resuspend in the atmosphere once it dries up, potentially increasing pollution levels.
Another critical pollution control measure in Mumbai is the effort to ban garbage burning. Open burning of garbage, which includes materials such as plastic, rubber, polyethylene, and paper, releases fine particles and toxic gases that contribute significantly to air pollution. In 2016, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a nationwide ban on open-garbage burning with a penalty of up to Rs 25,000. Despite this, effective implementation and enforcement of penalties have been lacking in Mumbai, as acknowledged by officials from the Solid Waste Management department of the BMC. The city has also struggled with the issue of "mountains of garbage," with India's oldest and tallest rubbish mountain, standing at 18 storeys high, located in the western coastal part of the city.
To address these challenges, the BMC has proposed inspection drives to identify areas where garbage burning is prevalent, and the deployment of nuisance detectors at the ward level to take action against those responsible for dumping and burning solid waste. Additionally, the Indian government has allocated significant funds for a national cleanliness programme that includes the development of waste treatment plants to replace open-air rubbish dumps, with plans for a waste-to-energy plant in Deonar, Mumbai. These initiatives aim to reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution, which can cause respiratory issues, lung cancer, and heart disease.
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Pollution mitigation plans: sustainable transport, renewable energy
Mumbai, India's most populous city, has been ranked among the most polluted cities in the country in terms of air pollution. The city's pollution is largely caused by traffic, construction, and the illegal burning of waste products. To tackle this issue, the Maharashtra state government has developed pollution mitigation plans, which include encouraging individuals to use sustainable transport and transition to renewable energy sources.
Sustainable Transport
The Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) aims to improve public transport availability and accessibility, as well as promote non-motorized transport. Walking is already the preferred mode for last-mile connectivity for most public transport modes across Greater Mumbai. The plan also includes strategies for equitable access and affordability, building upon the city's extensive public transport network. MCAP aligns with the UNEP-led initiative, 'Share the Road', which advocates for the systematic inclusion of non-motorized transport infrastructure in urban road investments. This initiative also works to improve road safety and increase accessibility to essential services.
Renewable Energy
The MCAP has set a target of incorporating 50% renewables into Mumbai's electricity generation mix. This includes assessing the potential for rooftop solar on buildings and promoting energy-efficient street and public lighting. The plan also prioritizes the transition to cleaner fuels, fuel efficiency, and the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions. Additionally, there is a focus on using energy-efficient materials for building construction and promoting the use of electric stoves for cooking.
To summarize, Mumbai is taking important steps towards improving its air quality by encouraging the use of sustainable transport and renewable energy sources. The successful implementation of these initiatives will be crucial in reducing the city's pollution levels and creating a healthier environment for its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mumbai is a polluted city. In 2023, it was ranked as the second most polluted major global city.
The pollution in Mumbai is largely caused by traffic, construction, and industrial units in residential areas.
The Indian government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, aiming to cut pollution in 102 of the most polluted cities. Mumbai city authorities have also implemented measures such as erecting barricades at construction sites and banning the burning of garbage in open grounds.
Individuals are encouraged to use public transport or carpool instead of private vehicles. They can also stay informed about the current Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and limit outdoor activities when the AQI is poor.
