Mumbai's Malad West and BKC face alarming nitrogen dioxide pollution crisis

In 2023, a recent report by Greenpeace highlighted significant air pollution concerns in India, specifically in Mumbai. The study found that Malad West and the Bandra Kurla Complex exhibited some of the highest concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution across the city. At 82 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), Malad West's NO2 levels greatly surpassed the World Health Organization's health guidelines. The impact of this pollution is particularly severe given that nitrogen dioxide is closely linked with adverse respiratory health effects, including asthma, airway inflammation, and in severe cases, respiratory mortality. The report emphasized that children, representing around 10% of the city's population, are disproportionately affected by this continued exposure to dangerous levels of NO2. The findings revealed that 22 of 24 air quality monitoring stations across Mumbai reported annual average NO2 levels exceeding recommended health guidelines. Notably, Mazgaon and Sion experienced daily NO2 levels that exceeded the limit for over 70% of the year, with Mazgaon recording elevated levels for 267 days and Sion for 259 days. These statistics paint a troubling picture of the air quality crisis in Mumbai, attributing it mainly to vehicular emissions and fuel burning, which are prevalent in rapidly urbanizing regions. As the urban landscape expands, the rise in private vehicles creates further challenges for air quality and public health management. Greenpeace criticized India's response to air pollution and suggested that the country's guidelines and standards fail to align with global health measures. Recommendations included updating the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), enhancing healthcare systems to effectively address pollution-related health issues, and establishing health advisory systems for better public awareness. Aakiz Farooq, a mobility campaigner at Greenpeace, argued for innovative solutions to combat pollution, advocating for more accessible public transportation to encourage residents to leave private vehicles behind. This advocacy reflects the pressing need for affordable clean air solutions, which include investments in public transport systems and reducing reliance on polluting vehicles. By focusing on enhancing public transit options, local governments could tackle vehicular emissions while promoting a healthier urban environment. The urgent call for a comprehensive approach towards air quality management in Mumbai and beyond emphasizes that addressing air pollution is not only an environmental issue but a critical public health imperative.