Mumbai Air Quality: Study Busts Coastal Protection Myth, Confirms Year-Round Pollution Crisis

A new study has revealed that Mumbai's summer months are no longer a safe escape from air pollution. For years, people believed that the city's coastal breeze protected it during warmer months, but fresh data says otherwise.

According to a four-year study by Respirer Living Sciences shared by a mid-day report, the levels of PM10 (particulate matter) in Mumbai have regularly gone above the national safety limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The data, collected using the AtlasAQ platform, shows that from 2021 to 2024, the city's annual average PM10 levels were:

• 2021: 109.3 μg/m³
• 2022: 119.7 μg/m³
• 2023: 118.6 μg/m³
• 2024: 90 μg/m³

Even though 2024 shows a small drop, the numbers are still much higher than the safe limit.

"This data tells a very clear story: there is no clean season left in Mumbai," said Ronak Sutaria, founder and CEO of Respirer Living Sciences. He stressed that even in summer, pollution levels are dangerously high, calling for better planning and strict rules to protect public health.

The study also found that pollution levels differ across parts of the city:

• Malad West: Jumped to 154.5 μg/m³ in 2024-a 50% increase from 2023.
• Shivaji Nagar: Recorded 211.0 μg/m³ in 2023, dipped to 102.2 μg/m³ in 2024-still 70% over the safe limit.
• Siddharth Nagar (Worli): Rose from 57.1 μg/m³ in 2021 to 119.2 μg/m³ in 2023; 105.1 μg/m³ in 2024.
• Other high-pollution zones: Chakala (Andheri East), Kurla, Deonar, Vile Parle West, and Mazagaon.

The main causes of Mumbai's PM10 problem include:

• Vehicle emissions
• Dust from construction sites
• Industrial activity around the ports
• Poor dust control measures

The report suggests urgent action: enforcing dust rules at construction sites, improving public transport, traffic control, and installing real-time air quality monitors in each area.

Ronak Sutaria recommended that clean air goals must become a part of Mumbai's planning and transport policies.

What Is PM10?

PM10 refers to small particles, less than 10 micrometres in size, that can go deep into the lungs. They often come from dust and smoke and are harmful, especially for children, elderly people, and those with health problems. PM10 is part of a bigger group of pollutants that also includes smaller particles like PM2.5.

This study is a warning for the city-it's time to take strong steps to make Mumbai's air clean and safe all year round.