Rains tackled, now Mumbai prepares for war on pollution: What city plans as winter approaches

As the monsoon season in Mumbai comes to an end, the city is preparing for a new challenge: combating pollution as winter approaches. In response to this looming issue, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled a special 15-day campaign starting October 1. This initiative follows the release of the National Clean Air Programme by the Union ministry, which placed Mumbai at 28th position out of 48 major metropolitan cities.

Mumbai's ranking has gradually declined over the past few years, falling from 10th in 2023 to 28th in the latest assessment. During a recent review meeting, Mumbai's municipal commissioner, Ashwini Bhide, directed officials to strictly enforce the BMC's 28-point guidelines aimed at curbing air pollution. To oversee major infrastructure projects, nodal officers will be appointed across the city to monitor dust emissions, which could exacerbate air quality issues.

At present, Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) remains under control, but authorities are taking proactive measures to prevent deterioration during the upcoming period. A civic official emphasized the importance of implementing these measures to ensure citizens are not adversely affected by poor air quality.

The Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) dashboard indicates that Mumbai has enjoyed satisfactory air quality since June, thanks to the rains. However, as the monsoon recedes, the AQI is expected to deteriorate further. El-Niño climatic conditions are expected to worsen the situation.

During the Friday meeting, Bhide also reviewed the progress of the BMC's 'Pedestrian First' campaign, which aims to prioritize pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestion.