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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
City's air quality breached PM 10 limit on 49 days since February: Report
MUMBAI: Just after the winter months, when air quality appears to improve with the air quality monitoring stations hitting the green mark, a closer look at data from February to April reveals a different story. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in a report states that of the 89 days observed, 49 days (55%) breached the permissible PM 10 limit of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), according to data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less is small enough to be inhaled. According to NAAQS, an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 100 in PM10 is the permissible limit in 24-hours; annually it is 60. In the month of February, all 28 days breached the permissible limit, recording an average AQI of 130, which further dropped to 108 in March, when 17 of the 31 days breached the limit. It then drastically dropped to an AQI of 78 in April, when only four of the 30 days breached the mark. Experts attribute this drastic drop in AQI to a change in weather patterns. 'Meteorological conditions led to an improvement in AQI but emissions remained stable,' said Bhagwan Kesbhat, founder of Waatavaran, an environmental organisation. While the majority of air quality monitoring stations showed poor air quality, those in Deonar, Bandra Kurla Complex, Malad West, Chakala-Andheri and Kurla were major contributors. Deonar saw the lowest AQI, which ranged between 155 and 225 across all three months studied. 'This report exposes the myth that air quality is a seasonal problem. Sources of air pollution continue to contribute the same amount of pollutants, weather patterns only make it look better,' said Kesbhat. Manoj Kumar, analyst at CREA said, 'This is only the tip of the iceberg. The permissible limits are being re-evaluated since the last NAAQS limits were set in 2009 and the situation has changed since then.' The report focuses on PM 10 limits, given that the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) aims to bring PM 10 levels down by 40% compared to 2017 by 2026. 'We also need to look at PM 2.5 emissions from vehicles, eateries and industries. Mumbai has its focus on the construction industry, which emits PM 10 but PM2.5 cannot be ignored as it is more harmful,' added Kumar.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
City's PM10 level breached norms every 2nd day in Feb-April: Study
Mumbai: Winter alone doesn't have the biggest chokehold on Mumbai's air quality. The levels of suspended pollutant PM10 were above the national ambient air quality standard on 49 of 89 monitored days in Feb-April this year, shows an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) data. PM10 levels were above the standard of 100µg/m³ on all 28 days of Feb, according to the data analysed by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. In March, 17 of 31 days recorded average levels above the safe limit. In April, four of the 30 days breached the standard. The average monthly PM10 level was 130µg/m³ in Feb, 108µg/m³ in March and 78µg/m³ in April. Deonar, where the city's largest garbage dumping ground is located, BKC, Kurla and Chakala in Andheri—all of which see dense vehicular movement—as well as Malad West were the biggest pollution hotspots (see graphic). However, levels of the microscopic PM2.5 particles, which can penetrate deep into lung passageways, remained within the 24-hour permissible limit of 60µg/m³ during the period assessed. PM10 refers to particulate matter that is 10mm or smaller in diameter—about one-seventh the width of a human hair. These tiny particles are small enough to be inhaled and can settle in lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo As per air quality experts, common sources of PM10 include construction and road dust, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and burning of waste. PM10 particles can also irritate the eyes, throat and nose and are especially harmful to children, senior citizens and people with asthma or other lung conditions. In Mumbai, air quality data is recorded by 30 continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations. "Every pollution hotspot in Mumbai has a unique fingerprint. Real-time source apportionment, in addition to the proposed air quality warning and integrated decision support system for emissions for Mumbai, is crucial to identify what's causing the problem, whether it's traffic, industry, construction or waste burning. Alongside this, capacity building is essential to ensure that targeted actions are implemented effectively on the ground, with clear accountability and follow-through," said Manoj Kumar, analyst at Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Bhagwan Kesbhat, founder of NGO Waatavaran Foundation and member of Mumbai Clean Air Network said, "Deteriorating air quality in Mumbai has become a growing concern for all. While PM2.5 poses serious health risks, the consistently high levels of PM10 at several locations cannot be overlooked and needs urgent attention as it also impacts respiratory health. BMC has taken steps to manage construction dust, but much more needs to be done on the ground to ensure cleaner air for citizens this winter. " He said it is crucial to identify hotspots like Deonar and study the causes for the consistently high pollution levels.
