Kiera Jefferson
Mumbai and Delhi are two of the most polluted cities in India. While Delhi is known for its high levels of air pollution, particularly during the winter months due to stubble burning, Mumbai has also been struggling with poor air quality. In recent years, Mumbai's air quality has dipped to concerning levels, and on some days, it has even surpassed Delhi's severe pollution. The primary cause of Mumbai's deteriorating air quality is believed to be the increase in toxic PM2.5 particles caused by automobiles, industries, construction activities, and garbage burning. This has resulted in a higher number of deaths attributed to short-term PM 2.5 exposure in Mumbai, despite it having lower annual PM 2.5 levels than Delhi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | Mumbai: 150-163 (Unhealthy); Delhi: 155 (Very Poor to Severe) |
| PM2.5 Levels | Mumbai: High; Delhi: Very High |
| PM10 Levels | Mumbai: High; Delhi: High |
| Annual Deaths from Air Pollution | Mumbai: 5,000-5,100; Delhi: 11,400 (approx.) |
| Primary Causes of Pollution | Mumbai: Construction, Automobiles, Industries, Garbage Burning; Delhi: Stubble Burning |
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What You'll Learn
- Mumbai's air pollution is caused by automobiles, industries, construction, and garbage burning
- Delhi's air pollution is caused by stubble burning
- Mumbai's air quality is worse than Delhi's, but Delhi has more pollution-related deaths
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking measures to improve Mumbai's air quality
- Mumbai has been ranked as the world's second-most polluted city
Mumbai's air pollution is caused by automobiles, industries, construction, and garbage burning
Mumbai's air pollution is a growing concern, with a range of factors contributing to the problem. One of the major causes is automobile emissions. Road travel accounts for a significant portion of the city's fossil fuel emissions, with 80% of Mumbai's fossil fuel emissions attributed to road transport. The power sector, which contributes 71% of Mumbai's greenhouse gas emissions, is also a significant factor.
To address this issue, Mumbai has implemented several measures. These include the establishment of Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres that inspect automobiles regularly. Additionally, the city is encouraging a shift towards cleaner fuels, non-motorised transport, and electric vehicles through new policies promoting renewable energy.
Another significant contributor to Mumbai's air pollution is the construction industry. The rapid population growth in the city has led to rampant realty and road construction activities, which account for over 71% of particulate matter in Mumbai's air, a significant increase from 28% in 2010. Residents living near metro construction sites have expressed concerns about the dust pollution caused by the ongoing work, which is impacting air quality.
To mitigate construction-related pollution, Mumbai has introduced the Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules in 2016, which aim to ensure safe and effective construction practices. However, enforcement of these rules needs to be strengthened to effectively reduce pollution levels.
In addition to automobiles and construction, industrial emissions play a significant role in Mumbai's air pollution. The city's industrial expanse and reliance on fossil fuels make it a major contributor to western India's air pollution. To address this, emission norms for industrial sectors need to be tightened, and factories should treat smoke before releasing it into the atmosphere.
Lastly, waste burning is a prevalent issue in Mumbai. The city faces challenges with dumping grounds, and the rampant burning of waste, including garbage and crop residue, pollutes the air. While there have been efforts to prevent indiscriminate incineration at the ward, neighbourhood, and community levels, developing comprehensive ward-level action plans is essential to effectively combat this issue.
While Mumbai's air pollution levels may not be as high as those in Delhi, the concentration of finer PM2.5 particles in Mumbai's air is higher, indicating a greater impact on human health. The toxicity in Mumbai's air is a growing concern, and addressing these sources of air pollution is crucial to protecting the health and well-being of the city's residents.
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Delhi's air pollution is caused by stubble burning
While Mumbai has overtaken Delhi as the world's second-most polluted city, Delhi's air pollution remains a significant concern, with stubble burning often blamed for the poor air quality. Stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh has long been considered a major contributor to Delhi's air pollution, with estimates ranging from 1.3% to 25-30% of air quality issues. However, recent data suggests that its impact may be declining, with local emissions, particularly from the transport sector, playing a more significant role.
Delhi's air quality often deteriorates during the winter months, with cold temperatures and stagnant air exacerbating the pollution crisis. While stubble burning has been a focus of the debate, it is not the sole cause of Delhi's air pollution. Local contributors, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities, also play a significant role. Over half of Delhi's PM2.5 pollution comes from vehicles, and the burning of crop residues, such as unclean oils used in cooking, also contributes to the problem.
Stubble burning is a common practice in agriculture, where farmers burn the leftover straw after harvesting rice or wheat to clear the field for the next crop. This practice releases harmful pollutants into the air, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can contribute to respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and other adverse health effects.
While stubble burning has been a longstanding issue, there are signs of progress. Initiatives in Haryana and Punjab, such as the adoption of alternative practices and the use of compressed biogas, have resulted in a significant reduction in fire incidents and the clearing of stubble over vast areas. These successes highlight that stubble burning is a solvable problem, and collaborative efforts between the government and affected states are crucial to addressing this issue effectively.
In conclusion, while stubble burning has been a significant contributor to Delhi's air pollution, it is not the sole cause. Local emissions and urban activities play a significant role as well. Addressing Delhi's air pollution requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both regional and local sources of pollution. By focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, regulating emissions, and promoting cleaner technologies, Delhi can improve its air quality and ensure a healthier environment for its residents.
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Mumbai's air quality is worse than Delhi's, but Delhi has more pollution-related deaths
Mumbai's air quality has been recorded as poorer than Delhi's on several occasions, with the former even overtaking the latter to become the world's second-most polluted city in early 2023. However, despite having lower air pollution levels, Delhi experiences more pollution-related deaths.
Air Quality in Mumbai and Delhi
Mumbai and Delhi, two of India's largest cities, have both struggled with poor air quality, which has severe health implications for their residents. Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) has frequently dipped to "'poor'" levels, and on some days, the city's AQI has even surpassed that of Delhi, which is considered one of the most polluted cities in the world, especially during winter due to stubble burning.
The primary causes of Mumbai's poor air quality are believed to be dust from construction sites, increasing concentrations of toxic PM2.5 caused by automobiles, industries, construction activities, and garbage burning. In response, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented various measures to mitigate the issue, including installing mist machines at various locations and mandating the use of sprinkler systems and anti-smog guns at construction sites.
Pollution-Related Deaths in Mumbai and Delhi
While Mumbai's air pollution levels have been higher than those of Delhi on certain days, the number of pollution-related deaths in Mumbai is lower. According to a report, there are approximately 5,000 pollution-related deaths in Mumbai annually, while in Delhi, the number is over a third of the total deaths in the 10 cities studied, which equates to approximately 11,000 deaths per year.
The higher number of pollution-related deaths in Delhi can be attributed to the city's generally higher pollution levels, with an average annual PM 2.5 level of 113 micrograms, more than 22 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe standard. However, it is important to note that the risk of death increases with even a small increase in pollution levels, as demonstrated by the study's findings that every 10 micrograms of PM 2.5 increase was associated with a 2.41% increase in daily deaths.
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking measures to improve Mumbai's air quality
Mumbai has been ranked as the world's second-most polluted city, with an AQI of 163, which falls under the "unhealthy" category. The city's air quality index (AQI) often dips to poor levels, surpassing even Delhi's severe pollution. The primary cause of this poor air quality is believed to be the dust arising from construction sites and road dust, along with the increasing concentration of toxic PM2.5 caused by automobiles, industries, and garbage burning.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken several measures to improve Mumbai's air quality. In response to orders from the Bombay High Court and the Maharashtra government, the BMC has approved low-cost air quality sensors for installation at construction sites to monitor air quality and enable targeted enforcement actions. The civic body has also committed to planting one lakh trees and setting up Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) to monitor ambient air quality across the city.
To address traffic congestion, the BMC is appointing consultants to direct vehicular traffic using an automatic signal system. They are also electrifying their vehicles, installing charging infrastructure, and procuring 3,000 electric buses, with 2,100 being single-decker and 900 double-decker. Additionally, the BMC is converting old diesel and petrol vehicles into CNG vehicles and has installed fully adaptive traffic control systems at 258 junctions.
The BMC is also taking steps to reduce dust from construction and road works. They have issued guidelines to builders to reduce dust, mandated the use of tarpaulin sheets for vehicles transporting construction debris, and instructed officials to use mechanical power sweeping machines for regular cleaning and dust collection on roads. The civic body is also taking action against vehicles operating without proper coverings or safety measures, leading to airborne or debris spillage.
Furthermore, the BMC has formed task forces to identify restaurants, bakeries, and banquet halls using unclean oils and fuels, which can emit harmful pollutants. They are also promoting the use of the Debris-On-Call Service for efficient debris collection and disposal and collaborating with NGOs to conduct communication and awareness campaigns, along with the formation of eco clubs.
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Mumbai has been ranked as the world's second-most polluted city
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has implemented several measures to improve the city's air quality. These include installing mist machines at various locations, directing vehicles transporting construction debris to be properly covered with tarpaulin sheets, and instructing the transport commissioner to take stringent action against vehicles that do not meet pollution control standards.
Despite these efforts, Mumbai's air quality has continued to dip to ''poor' and 'very poor' levels, surpassing even Delhi's severe pollution levels on some days. Residents of Mumbai have reported health issues as toxic PM2.5 levels rise due to urban activities and weather conditions.
Mumbai's poor air quality has had significant health impacts. Studies have shown that the city experiences almost 5,100 deaths annually due to air pollution, the second highest after the national capital. This highlights the urgent need for effective policies and measures to address the issue of air pollution in Mumbai and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
While Mumbai has overtaken Delhi in terms of air pollution levels, it is important to note that Delhi still faces extremely high levels of pollution, particularly during winter due to stubble burning. Both cities continue to struggle with the challenge of improving their air quality and reducing the health risks associated with pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to a report published in July 2024, Mumbai has overtaken Delhi to become the world's second-most polluted city in terms of the global Air Quality Index (AQI).
The primary cause of Mumbai's poor air quality is believed to be the dust arising from construction sites. Other reasons include the increasing concentration of toxic PM2.5 caused by automobiles, industries, construction activities, and garbage burning.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken several measures to improve the city's air quality. To control dust, mist machines have been installed at various locations. The BMC has also instructed that vehicles transporting construction debris should be covered properly with tarpaulin sheets and not carry more than the prescribed load.
