Mumbai Records Lowest Diwali Afternoon AQI in Four Years at 131
· India · Indian Express, The Hindu
Mumbai registered an air quality index (AQI) of 131 on Sunday afternoon ahead of Diwali night celebrations, marking its lowest daytime reading for the festival in four years. Central Pollution Control Board data showed the reading was lower than 194 last year, 181 in 2024, and 149 in 2023. Atmospheric scientist Gufran Beig attributed the cleaner readings to a strong sea breeze caused by recent wind reversals linked to El Niño fluctuations. However, 20 of the city's 26 monitoring stations still recorded readings above 100, placing the air in the moderate band which can trigger breathing discomfort for vulnerable groups. Bandra East recorded the highest reading at 195, followed by Shivaji Nagar at 183 and Bandra Kurla Complex at 173, with experts warning that pollutant levels would likely rise further following firecracker usage.
Why it matters
Moderate air quality poses immediate health risks to residents with asthma, heart conditions, and lung disease as pollution levels climb during festival celebrations.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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