Mumbai, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated sharply on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 322 in the ‘very poor’ category, raising health concerns among residents. In contrast, Delhi recorded an AQI of 176 in the ‘moderate’ category, marking its best reading for October 24 in a decade.
According to air quality monitoring data, Mumbai’s pollution spike was attributed to a combination of construction dust, low wind speeds, open garbage burning, emissions from crop fires in surrounding regions and residual smoke from firecrackers.
The thick haze covering the city coincided with an increase in complaints of headaches, sore throats and eye irritation. Doctors advised vulnerable groups, particularly children and older people, to limit outdoor exposure.
Civic officials acknowledged the sharp deterioration, saying several factors had combined to push pollution levels into the ‘very poor’ category.
The Bombay High Court took note of the worsening situation, declared an emergency and directed authorities to intensify enforcement against polluting activities.
Environmental activists and residents have called for stricter monitoring of construction sites, a complete ban on open garbage burning and better coordination to curb pollution from surrounding regions.
Delhi, meanwhile, recorded a significantly better AQI of 176, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. The reading marked a notable improvement over previous years, when air pollution typically begins to intensify around this time as winter approaches.
Officials attributed the improvement to sustained anti-pollution measures undertaken in ‘war mode’. These included regular road sweeping, the removal of construction and municipal waste, and extensive water sprinkling on roads and dust-prone areas.
Delhi’s environment department said coordinated action by civic agencies, supported by technology to identify pollution hotspots, had helped keep particulate pollution under control.
However, authorities cautioned that air quality could deteriorate with the onset of winter and increased stubble burning in neighbouring states.
Environmental experts noted that Delhi’s improved reading offered an encouraging sign, while Mumbai’s sudden decline highlighted the need for year-round pollution-control strategies, including in coastal cities traditionally associated with better air quality.
Both cities continue to face public demands for stronger enforcement and more consistent implementation of environmental regulations.
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