Government teams assess air quality crisis in Mumbai and Delhi | Fusion - WeRIndia

Air quality in India’s major cities has reached critical levels, prompting government action to address the worsening pollution crisis.

Mumbai, the economic hub of the nation, is grappling with deteriorating air quality, raising concerns about the health of its residents.

A central government team is set to visit Mumbai to evaluate the city’s air quality and assess the efforts of the Maharashtra government in tackling the issue.

Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently lingered in the moderate to poor category (150-200).

And the levels of PM2.5 particles, known for their harmful impact on health, have surged, with a sharp 42.1% spike in 2023.

To combat this alarming trend, the city’s authorities have initiated a comprehensive plan. It includes fitting air filters on buses, deploying virtual chimneys at congestion points, and installing air purification systems in public gardens.

Notably, actions have been taken against builders and contractors for violating air pollution control rules, reinforcing the commitment to cleaner air.

In parallel, Delhi is also experiencing a severe air pollution crisis, with the national capital reporting an AQI of over 400 for the fifth consecutive day, enveloped in a toxic haze.

The Delhi government has taken stringent measures, extending the closure of schools up to class 5 until November 10.

Besides, it suspended all construction and demolition work and contemplated allowing offices to operate with a reduced on-site workforce.

This environmental emergency has prompted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to call a high-level meeting to address the issue comprehensively.

These actions are essential to protect the health and well-being of the residents and mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution, such as respiratory infections, heart diseases, and cancer.

As India’s major cities grapple with severe air quality issues, the government is taking steps to address this growing crisis.

Mumbai and Delhi’s measures, ranging from air filtration on buses to construction suspensions, underline the urgency of the situation and the commitment to safeguard the health of their citizens.

These actions serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to combat air pollution and create cleaner, healthier environments for all.

Image Credit: Sumaira Abdulali, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_burning_roadside_garbage_dump_at_Panvel_Naka_near_Mumbai.jpg