Morning Chill Turns Murky as Smog Chokes Mumbai, Air Quality Slips Into ‘Severe’ Zone

Mumbai: Mumbai began Tuesday with a deceptive sense of winter charm as residents woke up to clear skies, cool air and light breezes. The early hours felt refreshing, briefly offering respite from the city’s usual heat and humidity. However, the pleasant conditions faded rapidly as dense smog engulfed large parts of the metropolis, sharply cutting visibility and reigniting concerns over worsening air pollution.

While weather conditions appeared favourable, air quality told a far grimmer story. The India Meteorological Department had projected a sunny day with temperatures hovering between the high teens and around 30 degrees Celsius. Yet, despite the seemingly ideal forecast, pollution levels surged soon after sunrise, overshadowing the seasonal comfort.

According to data from air quality monitoring agencies, Mumbai’s overall Air Quality Index climbed to alarming levels in the early morning, entering the ‘severe’ category. Such conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for children, senior citizens and those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular ailments. Medical experts have advised vulnerable groups to avoid prolonged outdoor activity as much as possible.

Officials and environmental observers point to unchecked construction activity as one of the main drivers of the pollution spike. Large-scale infrastructure projects—including metro corridors, flyovers, road expansion works and coastal developments—continue across the city. Added to this is the surge in private construction, which has increased dust and fine particulate matter in the air. Heavy vehicular traffic, especially during rush hours, has further intensified the pollution burden.

Several neighbourhoods recorded critically high pollution readings. Chembur emerged as one of the worst-affected areas, followed closely by Bandra, Wadala, Jogeshwari West and Santacruz, all reporting air quality levels that fall within the ‘severe’ health warning zone. Environmentalists warn that without immediate mitigation measures, such episodes could become more frequent during the winter months.